1966 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III vs. 2003 Saab 03-Sep
To start off, 2003 Saab 03-Sep is newer by 37 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, 2003 Saab 03-Sep (173 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 27 more horse power than 1966 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III. (146 HP @ 5250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Saab 03-Sep should accelerate faster than 1966 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Saab 03-Sep weights approximately 462 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.
Because 1966 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1966 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 Saab 03-Sep, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 2003 Saab 03-Sep (265 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 100 more torque (in Nm) than 1966 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III. (165 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2003 Saab 03-Sep will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1966 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III. 2003 Saab 03-Sep 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. 2003 Saab 03-Sep will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1966 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III | 2003 Saab 03-Sep | |
| Make | Austin-Healey | Saab |
| Model | 3000 Mk III | 03-Sep |
| Year Released | 1966 | 2003 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2912 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 146 HP | 173 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5250 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 165 Nm | 265 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 83.4 mm | 86.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.9 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1180 kg | 1642 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4010 mm | 4640 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1540 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1250 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2340 mm | 2680 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 54 L | 61 L |
