1966 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III vs. 2006 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2006 Volkswagen Golf 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 Volkswagen Golf (168 HP @ 4200 RPM) has 22 more horse power than 1966 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III. (146 HP @ 5250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 1966 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 145 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, 2006 Volkswagen Golf, 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, 2006 Volkswagen Golf (350 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 185 more torque (in Nm) than 1966 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III. (165 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2006 Volkswagen Golf 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 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Austin-Healey | Volkswagen |
| Model | 3000 Mk III | Golf |
| Year Released | 1966 | 2006 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2912 cc | 1966 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 146 HP | 168 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5250 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 165 Nm | 350 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 83.4 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.9 mm | 95.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 18.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Top Speed | 195 km/hour | 220 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1180 kg | 1325 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4010 mm | 4210 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1540 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1250 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2340 mm | 2580 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 54 L | 55 L |
