1966 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III vs. 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 32 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, 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL (204 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 58 more horse power than 1966 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III. (146 HP @ 5250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1966 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 630 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, 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL (270 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 105 more torque (in Nm) than 1966 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III. (165 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1966 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III. 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL has automatic transmission and 1966 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III has manual transmission. 1966 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1966 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III | 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Austin-Healey | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 3000 Mk III | SL |
| Year Released | 1966 | 1998 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2912 cc | 2799 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 146 HP | 204 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5250 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 165 Nm | 270 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 83.4 mm | 89.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.9 mm | 73.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 10.1:1 |
| Top Speed | 195 km/hour | 228 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1180 kg | 1810 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4010 mm | 4510 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1540 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1250 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2340 mm | 2520 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 54 L | 80 L |
