1966 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III vs. 2006 Ford Fiesta
To start off, 2006 Ford Fiesta is newer by 40 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 45 more horse power than 2006 Ford Fiesta. (101 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1966 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III should accelerate faster than 2006 Ford Fiesta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Ford Fiesta weights approximately 95 kg more than 1966 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III.
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, 2006 Ford Fiesta, 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, 1966 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III (165 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 19 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Ford Fiesta. (146 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1966 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Ford Fiesta.
Compare all specifications:
| 1966 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III | 2006 Ford Fiesta | |
| Make | Austin-Healey | Ford |
| Model | 3000 Mk III | Fiesta |
| Year Released | 1966 | 2006 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2912 cc | 1596 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 146 HP | 101 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5250 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 165 Nm | 146 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 83.4 mm | 79.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.9 mm | 81.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 11.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| 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 | 1275 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4010 mm | 4670 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1250 mm | 2120 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2340 mm | 2490 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 54 L | 45 L |
