1966 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III vs. 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata 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, 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata (148 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 2 more horse power than 1966 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III. (146 HP @ 5250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 1966 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III.
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, 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata (188 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 23 more torque (in Nm) than 1966 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III. (165 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata 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 | 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | Austin-Healey | Mazda |
| Model | 3000 Mk III | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 1966 | 2006 |
| 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 | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5250 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 165 Nm | 188 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
