1966 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III vs. 2011 Mazda 6
To start off, 2011 Mazda 6 is newer by 45 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 3,700 cc (6 cylinders), 2011 Mazda 6 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Mazda 6 (272 HP @ 6250 RPM) has 126 more horse power than 1966 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III. (146 HP @ 5250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Mazda 6 should accelerate faster than 1966 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Mazda 6 weights approximately 429 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, 2011 Mazda 6, 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, 2011 Mazda 6 (364 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 199 more torque (in Nm) than 1966 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III. (165 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2011 Mazda 6 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1966 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III. 2011 Mazda 6 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. 2011 Mazda 6 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1966 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III | 2011 Mazda 6 | |
| Make | Austin-Healey | Mazda |
| Model | 3000 Mk III | 6 |
| Year Released | 1966 | 2011 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2912 cc | 3700 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 146 HP | 272 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5250 RPM | 6250 RPM |
| Torque | 165 Nm | 364 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1180 kg | 1609 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4010 mm | 4920 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1540 mm | 1839 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1250 mm | 1471 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2340 mm | 2789 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 54 L | 70 L |
