1967 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III vs. 1994 Volkswagen New Beetle
To start off, 1994 Volkswagen New Beetle is newer by 27 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 31 more horse power than 1994 Volkswagen New Beetle. (115 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1967 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III should accelerate faster than 1994 Volkswagen New Beetle. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1967 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III weights approximately 41 kg more than 1994 Volkswagen New Beetle. 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, 1994 Volkswagen New Beetle, 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, both vehicles can yield 165 Nm of torque. So under normal driving conditions, the ability to climb up hills and pull heavy equipment should be relatively similar for both vehicles.
Compare all specifications:
| 1967 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III | 1994 Volkswagen New Beetle | |
| Make | Austin-Healey | Volkswagen |
| Model | 3000 Mk III | New Beetle |
| Year Released | 1967 | 1994 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2912 cc | 1984 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 146 HP | 115 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5250 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 165 Nm | 165 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 83.4 mm | 82.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.9 mm | 92.7 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.8:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1180 kg | 1139 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4010 mm | 4100 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1530 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1250 mm | 1520 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2340 mm | 2520 mm |
