1971 Austin 3 vs. 1985 Volvo 780
To start off, 1985 Volvo 780 is newer by 14 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Austin 3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Austin 3 would be higher. At 2,910 cc (6 cylinders), 1971 Austin 3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1985 Volvo 780 (127 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 4 more horse power than 1971 Austin 3. (123 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1985 Volvo 780 should accelerate faster than 1971 Austin 3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1971 Austin 3 weights approximately 20 kg more than 1985 Volvo 780.
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, 1985 Volvo 780 (250 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 32 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 Austin 3. (218 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1985 Volvo 780 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 Austin 3.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 Austin 3 | 1985 Volvo 780 | |
| Make | Austin | Volvo |
| Model | 3 | 780 |
| Year Released | 1971 | 1985 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2910 cc | 2383 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 123 HP | 127 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 218 Nm | 250 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 83.4 mm | 76.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.9 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 23.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1490 kg | 1470 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4720 mm | 4800 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2940 mm | 2780 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 65 L | 80 L |
