1966 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III vs. 1996 Vector M12
To start off, 1996 Vector M12 is newer by 30 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 5,707 cc (12 cylinders), 1996 Vector M12 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Vector M12 (484 HP @ 6800 RPM) has 338 more horse power than 1966 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III. (146 HP @ 5250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Vector M12 should accelerate faster than 1966 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Vector M12 weights approximately 450 kg more than 1966 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III. 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, 1996 Vector M12 (576 Nm @ 5200 RPM) has 411 more torque (in Nm) than 1966 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III. (165 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1996 Vector M12 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1966 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III.
Compare all specifications:
| 1966 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III | 1996 Vector M12 | |
| Make | Austin-Healey | Vector |
| Model | 3000 Mk III | M12 |
| Year Released | 1966 | 1996 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 2912 cc | 5707 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 146 HP | 484 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5250 RPM | 6800 RPM |
| Torque | 165 Nm | 576 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1180 kg | 1630 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4010 mm | 4790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1540 mm | 2030 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1250 mm | 1140 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2340 mm | 2750 mm |
