1975 Austin 1800 vs. 1962 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk II
To start off, 1975 Austin 1800 is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1962 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk II. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1962 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk II would be higher. At 2,912 cc (6 cylinders), 1962 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk II is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1962 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk II (129 HP @ 4600 RPM) has 43 more horse power than 1975 Austin 1800. (86 HP @ 5400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1962 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk II should accelerate faster than 1975 Austin 1800. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1975 Austin 1800 weights approximately 32 kg more than 1962 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk II.
Because 1962 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk II 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 1962 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk II. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1975 Austin 1800, 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, 1962 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk II (167 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 27 more torque (in Nm) than 1975 Austin 1800. (140 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1962 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk II will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1975 Austin 1800.
Compare all specifications:
| 1975 Austin 1800 | 1962 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk II | |
| Make | Austin | Austin-Healey |
| Model | 1800 | 3000 Mk II |
| Year Released | 1975 | 1962 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1799 cc | 2912 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 86 HP | 129 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Torque | 140 Nm | 167 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80.3 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 | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1190 kg | 1158 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4240 mm | 4010 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1540 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2700 mm | 2340 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 49 L | 27 L |
