1966 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III vs. 1990 BMW 316
To start off, 1990 BMW 316 is newer by 24 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1966 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1966 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III would be higher. At 2,912 cc (6 cylinders), 1966 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1966 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III (146 HP @ 5250 RPM) has 46 more horse power than 1990 BMW 316. (100 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1966 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III should accelerate faster than 1990 BMW 316. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1966 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III weights approximately 100 kg more than 1990 BMW 316. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. Let's talk about torque, 1966 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III (165 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 24 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 BMW 316. (141 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 1966 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 BMW 316.
Compare all specifications:
| 1966 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III | 1990 BMW 316 | |
| Make | Austin-Healey | BMW |
| Model | 3000 Mk III | 316 |
| Year Released | 1966 | 1990 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2912 cc | 1596 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 146 HP | 100 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5250 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 165 Nm | 141 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1180 kg | 1080 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4010 mm | 4330 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1540 mm | 1650 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1250 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2340 mm | 2580 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 54 L | 70 L |
