Austin Healey 3000: Which Version Should You Buy?
The Austin Healey 3000 version to choose depends mainly on whether you prioritize performance, lower kerb weight, or a particular Roadster or Cabrio body. Across the supplied records, the model spans four catalogue generations from 1959 to 1967, including a restyled second generation.
The Austin Healey 3000 version to choose depends mainly on whether you prioritize performance, lower kerb weight, or a particular Roadster or Cabrio body. Across the supplied records, the model spans four catalogue generations from 1959 to 1967, including a restyled second generation. Every version uses a front, longitudinal 2912 cc Gasoline engine with 6 Inline cylinders, 2 valves per cylinder, a Carburetor, no boost, a Manual gearbox, and RWD. The third-generation 2.9 MT with 148 hp offers the strongest performance figures: 0–100 km/h in 8.9 seconds and a top speed of 195 km/h. The lightest listed choices are the 1118 kg versions, while the first-generation 2.9 MT is the only version with a measured kerb weight of 1143 kg, measured performance, and a measured 55-liter tank in the same record.
Austin Healey 3000 generations compared
The first-generation Roadster ran from 1959 to 1961 and has three listed versions. The 2.9 MT produces 124 hp and 220 Nm, while 2.9 MT5 and 2.9 MT each produce 126 hp and 220 Nm. The more powerful pair therefore gains 2 hp without changing the listed torque. Their power density is about 43.3 hp per liter, compared with about 42.6 hp per liter for the 124 hp car. Transmission choice separates them: 2.9 MT5 has a 5-speed Manual, whereas 2.9 MT and 2.9 MT use a 4-speed Manual.
The second-generation Roadster covers 1961–1962 and contains four versions, all named 2.9 MT. Each produces 134 hp and 226 Nm, equivalent to about 46.0 hp per liter. Three records have measured performance of 11.5 seconds from 0–100 km/h and 181 km/h at the top end; performance for the remaining 5-speed record is not measured. Gearbox listings comprise two 4-speed Manual versions and two 5-speed Manual versions.
The restyled second-generation Cabrio covers 1962–1964 and adds two 2.9 MT records. Both produce 132 hp, but their catalogue details differ: one lists 97 kW and 227 Nm at 2700 rpm, while the other lists 98 kW and 226 Nm at 3000 rpm. This generation gives away 2 hp compared with the preceding second-generation Roadster, while its power density falls from about 46.0 to about 45.3 hp per liter. Both use a 4-speed Manual gearbox.
The third-generation Cabrio ran from 1964 to 1967 and has two 2.9 MT versions. Both develop 148 hp, or about 50.8 hp per liter, making them the highest-output choices in the data. One produces 234 Nm at 3000 rpm and uses a 5-speed Manual; the other produces 224 Nm at 3500 rpm and uses a 4-speed Manual. The 5-speed version therefore provides 10 Nm more torque, although its acceleration and maximum speed are not measured.
Austin Healey 3000 engine specs and version comparison
| Generation and body | Exact version | Power | Torque | Displacement | Fuel | Cylinders and layout | Boost | Gearbox | Drive |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| First generation, Roadster | 2.9 MT | 124 hp | 220 Nm | 2912 cc | Gasoline | 6, Inline | No | 4-speed Manual | RWD |
| First generation, Roadster | 2.9 MT5 | 126 hp | 220 Nm | 2912 cc | Gasoline | 6, Inline | No | 5-speed Manual | RWD |
| First generation, Roadster | 2.9 MT | 126 hp | 220 Nm | 2912 cc | Gasoline | 6, Inline | No | 4-speed Manual | RWD |
| Second generation, Roadster | 2.9 MT | 134 hp | 226 Nm | 2912 cc | Gasoline | 6, Inline | No | 4-speed Manual | RWD |
| Second generation, Roadster | 2.9 MT | 134 hp | 226 Nm | 2912 cc | Gasoline | 6, Inline | No | 5-speed Manual | RWD |
| Second generation, Roadster | 2.9 MT | 134 hp | 226 Nm | 2912 cc | Gasoline | 6, Inline | No | 4-speed Manual | RWD |
| Second generation, Roadster | 2.9 MT | 134 hp | 226 Nm | 2912 cc | Gasoline | 6, Inline | No | 5-speed Manual | RWD |
| Restyled second generation, Cabrio | 2.9 MT | 132 hp | 227 Nm | 2912 cc | Gasoline | 6, Inline | No | 4-speed Manual | RWD |
| Restyled second generation, Cabrio | 2.9 MT | 132 hp | 226 Nm | 2912 cc | Gasoline | 6, Inline | No | 4-speed Manual | RWD |
| Third generation, Cabrio | 2.9 MT | 148 hp | 234 Nm | 2912 cc | Gasoline | 6, Inline | No | 5-speed Manual | RWD |
| Third generation, Cabrio | 2.9 MT | 148 hp | 224 Nm | 2912 cc | Gasoline | 6, Inline | No | 4-speed Manual | RWD |
The engine architecture remains consistent, so the meaningful comparison is output rather than displacement. From the first-generation 124 hp 2.9 MT to either third-generation 148 hp 2.9 MT, output rises by 24 hp while displacement stays at 2912 cc. The highest listed torque also increases by 14 Nm, from 220 Nm to 234 Nm.
Austin Healey 3000 performance and economy
| Generation and exact version | Identifying detail | 0–100 km/h | Top speed | City consumption | Highway consumption | Combined consumption |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| First generation 2.9 MT | 124 hp, 4-speed | 11.0 s | 183 km/h | Not measured | Not measured | Not measured |
| First generation 2.9 MT5 | 126 hp, 5-speed | Not measured | Not measured | Not measured | Not measured | Not measured |
| First generation 2.9 MT | 126 hp, 4-speed | Not measured | Not measured | Not measured | Not measured | Not measured |
| Second generation 2.9 MT | 134 hp, 4-speed, 55-liter tank | 11.5 s | 181 km/h | Not measured | Not measured | Not measured |
| Second generation 2.9 MT | 134 hp, 5-speed, tank not measured | 11.5 s | 181 km/h | Not measured | Not measured | Not measured |
| Second generation 2.9 MT | 134 hp, 4-speed, tank not measured | 11.5 s | 181 km/h | Not measured | Not measured | Not measured |
| Second generation 2.9 MT | 134 hp, 5-speed, performance not measured | Not measured | Not measured | Not measured | Not measured | Not measured |
| Restyled second generation 2.9 MT | 132 hp, 227 Nm | Not measured | Not measured | Not measured | Not measured | Not measured |
| Restyled second generation 2.9 MT | 132 hp, 226 Nm | 11.8 s | 184 km/h | Not measured | Not measured | Not measured |
| Third generation 2.9 MT | 148 hp, 234 Nm, 5-speed | Not measured | Not measured | Not measured | Not measured | Not measured |
| Third generation 2.9 MT | 148 hp, 224 Nm, 4-speed | 8.9 s | 195 km/h | Not measured | Not measured | Not measured |
The measured third-generation 2.9 MT reaches 100 km/h 2.1 seconds sooner than the first-generation 124 hp 2.9 MT and 2.9 seconds sooner than the measured restyled second-generation car. Its 195 km/h top speed is 12 km/h higher than the first-generation car’s 183 km/h and 11 km/h higher than the restyled model’s 184 km/h. No city, highway, or combined fuel-consumption figure is measured for any version, so the data cannot support an economy-based recommendation.
Austin Healey 3000 weight, ground clearance and tank size
| Generation and exact version | Identifying detail | Kerb weight | Weight per horsepower | Gross weight | Ground clearance | Tank | Wheel sizes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| First generation 2.9 MT | 124 hp | 1143 kg | 9.22 kg/hp | Not measured | 117 mm | 55 L | Not measured |
| First generation 2.9 MT5 | 126 hp | 1118 kg | 8.87 kg/hp | Not measured | 120 mm | Not measured | Not measured |
| First generation 2.9 MT | 126 hp | 1118 kg | 8.87 kg/hp | Not measured | 120 mm | Not measured | Not measured |
| Second generation 2.9 MT | 4-speed, 55-liter tank | 1118 kg | 8.34 kg/hp | Not measured | 120 mm | 55 L | Not measured |
| Second generation 2.9 MT | 5-speed, measured performance | 1118 kg | 8.34 kg/hp | Not measured | 120 mm | Not measured | Not measured |
| Second generation 2.9 MT | 4-speed, tank not measured | 1118 kg | 8.34 kg/hp | Not measured | 120 mm | Not measured | Not measured |
| Second generation 2.9 MT | 5-speed, performance not measured | 1118 kg | 8.34 kg/hp | Not measured | 120 mm | Not measured | Not measured |
| Restyled second generation 2.9 MT | 227 Nm | 1118 kg | 8.47 kg/hp | Not measured | 120 mm | Not measured | Not measured |
| Restyled second generation 2.9 MT | 226 Nm | 1158 kg | 8.77 kg/hp | Not measured | 120 mm | 55 L | Not measured |
| Third generation 2.9 MT | 234 Nm, 5-speed | 1156 kg | 7.81 kg/hp | Not measured | 110 mm | Not measured | Not measured |
| Third generation 2.9 MT | 224 Nm, 4-speed | 1156 kg | 7.81 kg/hp | Not measured | 110 mm | 55 L | Not measured |
Full dimensions and weight distribution are not measured in the supplied data. Gross weight and wheel sizes are also not measured for every version. Among the figures that are available, kerb weight ranges from 1118 to 1158 kg, a difference of 40 kg. Ground clearance ranges from 110 to 120 mm, while a 55-liter tank is measured only for selected records.
Which Austin Healey 3000 version should you choose?
For the strongest measured acceleration and maximum speed, choose the third-generation 2.9 MT with 148 hp, 224 Nm, and the 4-speed Manual. Its 8.9-second 0–100 km/h time and 195 km/h top speed lead every version with measured performance. At 1156 kg, it also has the best calculated weight-to-power result in the catalogue at about 7.81 kg/hp.
For the highest torque and an extra gearbox ratio, choose the other third-generation 2.9 MT: the 148 hp version with 234 Nm and a 5-speed Manual. It delivers 10 Nm more than the measured 4-speed third-generation car. Its acceleration and top speed are not measured, however, so the additional torque cannot be translated into a verified performance advantage.
For the lowest listed kerb weight with measured performance, choose one of the 1118 kg second-generation 2.9 MT Roadsters rated at 134 hp. The measured examples reach 100 km/h in 11.5 seconds and 181 km/h. Their 8.34 kg/hp figure is better than the 8.87 kg/hp of the 1118 kg first-generation 126 hp versions.
For a restyled Cabrio with complete measured performance, the relevant 2.9 MT is the 132 hp, 226 Nm version. It records 11.8 seconds to 100 km/h, 184 km/h, a 1158 kg kerb weight, and a 55-liter tank. The other restyled 2.9 MT is 40 kg lighter and produces 1 Nm more torque, but its acceleration, maximum speed, and tank capacity are not measured.
For a first-generation Roadster supported by both performance and tank figures, choose the 124 hp 2.9 MT. It records 11.0 seconds to 100 km/h, 183 km/h, and a 55-liter tank. The 126 hp 2.9 MT5 and 2.9 MT are 25 kg lighter and gain 2 hp, but their acceleration, top speed, and tank capacity are not measured.
Price, sale listings, parts availability, engine-rebuild costs, oil capacity, and reliability are not measured in the supplied data. Those factors cannot be used to rank these versions. Based strictly on the recorded specifications, the third-generation 148 hp 2.9 MT is the performance choice, the 234 Nm 5-speed third-generation 2.9 MT is the torque-and-gearing choice, and an 1118 kg second-generation 134 hp 2.9 MT is the lighter alternative with measured performance.