1967 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III vs. 1989 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 1989 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 22 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 2,962 cc (6 cylinders), 1989 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Mercedes-Benz SL (228 HP @ 6400 RPM) has 82 more horse power than 1967 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III. (146 HP @ 5250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1989 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1967 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 510 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, 1989 Mercedes-Benz SL (267 Nm @ 4600 RPM) has 102 more torque (in Nm) than 1967 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III. (165 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1989 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1967 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III.
Compare all specifications:
| 1967 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III | 1989 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Austin-Healey | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 3000 Mk III | SL |
| Year Released | 1967 | 1989 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2912 cc | 2962 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 146 HP | 228 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5250 RPM | 6400 RPM |
| Torque | 165 Nm | 267 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 83.4 mm | 88.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.9 mm | 80.3 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.8:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1180 kg | 1690 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4010 mm | 4480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1530 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1250 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2340 mm | 2520 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 54 L | 80 L |
