1966 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III vs. 2012 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2012 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 46 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 3,498 cc (6 cylinders), 2012 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Mercedes-Benz SL (311 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 165 more horse power than 1966 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III. (146 HP @ 5250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mercedes-Benz SL 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, 2012 Mercedes-Benz SL (360 Nm @ 4900 RPM) has 195 more torque (in Nm) than 1966 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III. (165 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2012 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1966 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III. 2012 Mercedes-Benz SL 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. 2012 Mercedes-Benz SL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1966 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III | 2012 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Austin-Healey | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 3000 Mk III | SL |
| Year Released | 1966 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2912 cc | 3498 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 146 HP | 311 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5250 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 165 Nm | 360 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4900 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 195 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 7-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4010 mm | 4582 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1250 mm | 1298 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2340 mm | 2560 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 54 L | 80 L |
