1971 Austin 3 vs. 1966 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III
To start off, 1971 Austin 3 is newer by 5 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 2,912 cc (6 cylinders), 1966 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1966 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III (146 HP @ 5250 RPM) has 23 more horse power than 1971 Austin 3. (123 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1966 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III should accelerate faster than 1971 Austin 3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1971 Austin 3 weights approximately 310 kg more 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, 1971 Austin 3 (218 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 53 more torque (in Nm) than 1966 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III. (165 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1971 Austin 3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1966 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 Austin 3 | 1966 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III | |
| Make | Austin | Austin-Healey |
| Model | 3 | 3000 Mk III |
| Year Released | 1971 | 1966 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2910 cc | 2912 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 123 HP | 146 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Torque | 218 Nm | 165 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 83.4 mm | 83.4 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.9 mm | 88.9 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1490 kg | 1180 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4720 mm | 4010 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1540 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1250 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2940 mm | 2340 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 65 L | 54 L |
