1971 Austin 3 vs. 1988 Ford Sierra
To start off, 1988 Ford Sierra is newer by 17 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, 1971 Austin 3 (123 HP @ 4500 RPM) has 49 more horse power than 1988 Ford Sierra. (74 HP @ 5300 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1971 Austin 3 should accelerate faster than 1988 Ford Sierra. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1971 Austin 3 weights approximately 480 kg more than 1988 Ford Sierra. 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, 1971 Austin 3 (218 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 96 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Ford Sierra. (122 Nm @ 2900 RPM). This means 1971 Austin 3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Ford Sierra.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 Austin 3 | 1988 Ford Sierra | |
| Make | Austin | Ford |
| Model | 3 | Sierra |
| Year Released | 1971 | 1988 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2910 cc | 1597 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 123 HP | 74 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 5300 RPM |
| Torque | 218 Nm | 122 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2900 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1490 kg | 1010 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4720 mm | 4500 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2940 mm | 2620 mm |
