2003 Alfa Romeo 156 vs. 1964 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III
To start off, 2003 Alfa Romeo 156 is newer by 39 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1964 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1964 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III would be higher. At 2,912 cc (6 cylinders), 1964 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Alfa Romeo 156 (189 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 41 more horse power than 1964 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III. (148 HP @ 5250 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Alfa Romeo 156 should accelerate faster than 1964 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Alfa Romeo 156 weights approximately 330 kg more than 1964 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1964 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 1964 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 Alfa Romeo 156, 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, 1964 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III (225 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 7 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Alfa Romeo 156. (218 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1964 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Alfa Romeo 156. 2003 Alfa Romeo 156 has automatic transmission and 1964 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III has manual transmission. 1964 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2003 Alfa Romeo 156 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Alfa Romeo 156 | 1964 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Austin-Healey |
| Model | 156 | 3000 Mk III |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1964 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2387 cc | 2912 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 189 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Torque | 218 Nm | 225 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 88 mm | 83.4 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 68.3 mm | 88.9 mm |
| Top Speed | 227 km/hour | 195 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1510 kg | 1180 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4450 mm | 4010 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1540 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1240 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2550 mm | 2340 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 54 L |
