1966 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III vs. 2004 Mazda 3
To start off, 2004 Mazda 3 is newer by 38 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, 2004 Mazda 3 (149 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 3 more horse power than 1966 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III. (146 HP @ 5250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Mazda 3 should accelerate faster than 1966 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Mazda 3 weights approximately 605 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, 2004 Mazda 3, 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, 2004 Mazda 3 (187 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 22 more torque (in Nm) than 1966 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III. (165 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2004 Mazda 3 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 | 2004 Mazda 3 | |
| Make | Austin-Healey | Mazda |
| Model | 3000 Mk III | 3 |
| Year Released | 1966 | 2004 |
| 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 | 149 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5250 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 165 Nm | 187 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 83.4 mm | 87.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.9 mm | 83.1 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 11.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Top Speed | 195 km/hour | 200 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1180 kg | 1785 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4010 mm | 4430 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1540 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1250 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2340 mm | 2680 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 54 L | 55 L |
