1967 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III vs. 1985 Pontiac Grand Am
To start off, 1985 Pontiac Grand Am is newer by 18 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, 1967 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III (146 HP @ 5250 RPM) has 56 more horse power than 1985 Pontiac Grand Am. (90 HP @ 4400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1967 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III should accelerate faster than 1985 Pontiac Grand Am. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1967 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III weights approximately 50 kg more than 1985 Pontiac Grand Am. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1967 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 1967 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1985 Pontiac Grand Am, 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, 1985 Pontiac Grand Am (179 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 14 more torque (in Nm) than 1967 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III. (165 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1985 Pontiac Grand Am will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1967 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III. 1985 Pontiac Grand Am 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. 1985 Pontiac Grand Am will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1967 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III | 1985 Pontiac Grand Am | |
| Make | Austin-Healey | Pontiac |
| Model | 3000 Mk III | Grand Am |
| Year Released | 1967 | 1985 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2912 cc | 2471 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 146 HP | 90 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5250 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 165 Nm | 179 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 83.4 mm | 101.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.9 mm | 76.2 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.8:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1180 kg | 1130 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4010 mm | 4520 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1530 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1250 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2340 mm | 2630 mm |
