1967 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III vs. 1974 Mercedes-Benz 280
To start off, 1974 Mercedes-Benz 280 is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1967 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1967 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III would be higher. At 2,912 cc (6 cylinders), 1967 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1974 Mercedes-Benz 280 (182 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 36 more horse power than 1967 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III. (146 HP @ 5250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1974 Mercedes-Benz 280 should accelerate faster than 1967 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 Mercedes-Benz 280 weights approximately 380 kg more than 1967 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 1974 Mercedes-Benz 280 (238 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 73 more torque (in Nm) than 1967 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III. (165 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1974 Mercedes-Benz 280 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1967 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III. 1974 Mercedes-Benz 280 has automatic transmission and 1967 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III has manual transmission. 1967 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1974 Mercedes-Benz 280 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1967 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III | 1974 Mercedes-Benz 280 | |
| Make | Austin-Healey | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 3000 Mk III | 280 |
| Year Released | 1967 | 1974 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2912 cc | 2744 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 146 HP | 182 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5250 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 165 Nm | 238 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 83.4 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.9 mm | 78.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.8:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 195 km/hour | 205 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1180 kg | 1560 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4010 mm | 4760 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1530 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1250 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2340 mm | 2830 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 54 L | 90 L |
