Austin-Healey 3000 vs Jaguar XKE

The E-type is simply in another league from a performance standpoint, and, for lack of a better word, a much more modern car. The AH is really a traditional 50's-based design, and the E-type is really from the next generation of cars. Its suspension, engine, steering, brakes, interior, etc are more developed and sophisticated.

The question becomes, do you want a refined car or a rough-and-tumble sports car in the traditional sense? Do you want a car that can be comfortable for a week-long road trip, or are you happy with two hour Sunday morning backroad blasts? It also must be said, that of all the rough-and-tumble British sports cars of the era, the Healey is one of the more refined of those.

They are both a whole lot of fun, just in different ways.

 

Having owned, restored and driven extensively both an E-type and a 3000 Healey, I have the same opinion as Nathan, the Jaguar feels a much more refined and modern car, its more confortable, faster and its brakes and suspension are way better than the Healey, both have their magic and I love both it all depends on what you plan on doing with the car.

 

Another vote for "which ever one you like better". They're different cars but both on my short list for fun British driving. If I had to pick for you it would be the E-type.

 

It never hurts to let the wife be right! Looks like we are in the same boat then, looking for an e-type. I want a series 1 FHC, preferably with the 4.2 engine, preferably in a dark color, preferably with a tan interior, preferably in very good shape. I fully realize that with each "preferably" the pool of available cars shrinks considerably and makes the hunt that much more fun.....but I guess that is part of it!

 

Go for the E-type and buy a hardtop,there are so many items available for both cars to improve/restore them.
I've owned both several times.I prefer the E-type
Motor
Style
driving feel
rear end is what sells the car.
Image Unavailable, Please Login
Image Unavailable, Please Login
Image Unavailable, Please Login

 

If you have frost heaves or steep ramps, be prepared to leave the healy exhaust on them. The up side, you'll either learn how to weld or you'll learn how to make friends with a welder!

 

My sister had a 64 Healey Mk III and going into my grandmothers driveway it was steep, and the resonator across the back of the car would scrape.. Until it ground through and there was bits of fiberglass hanging out of the holes... There is NOTHING sweeter than the sound of a big Healey with a holey resonator when you get it up above 4000 rpm...

 

The first car I ever took a liking to, or noticed, was my father's 1967 AH 3000. As kids, we'd go nuts to have a drive in it - simply a wonderful car with wonderful memories. They look great, sound great, and handle...well, decent.

But as the others have posted - and as the current owner of a '66 E-Type S1 Coupe - the Jag is on another level. There's really no comparison IMHO. While the Jag is still 60's technology, it handles incredibly, the steering is light, and the performance is admirable. In a straight line, the E-Type would walk a US-spec 308, and with the right mods, could hang with it on the track. Not to mention it has to be about the most beautiful car design ever - there's not a line on the car that I don't like.

I can only imagine what this car was like when NEW - I know that it was a game changer, but it had to be mind blowing compared to its contemporaries.

Considering an E-Type and an AH are priced roughly the same, you get so much more for the money with the E-Type.

 

Beautiful car! Brings back fond memories...

 

Both are great cars but come on, take a look at an XKE, one over the top sports car. Especially a roadster with hard top.

 

I'm looking at an XKE next weekend. I have the Jag bug as well. To be fair, I do have an AH 100 (the best-looking big Healey IMO).

 

I can't get my mind around that fact. Seriously, I went into shock when I realized that. I was looking for a AH, and I wanted one very much... but at about half the E Type money. At the same price level, not getting the Jag would seem... well, strange.

 

They are at the age where you will have differing conditions for sure. So different cars will have different feels. Having done the restoration thing, I'll buy a car that's ready today.

That's a beautiful look BlackJag. Makes me rethink things.

Still the AH is pulling strong right now.

 

we have an ah 100, and an xke. go for the xke.
the guys above were right on all counts.
the other thing to consider is your own size - the ah shoves the wheel into your chest and it is uncomfortable for longer trips - there is simply not enough room and i am only 6ft tall.

the xke, altho completely retro tech vs a comparable year mercedes for example, makes the ah feel like a tractor. albeit a very cool looking and nice sounding tractor.

 

blackjag, nice car. i may have asked you this before, but are those dayton wheels? what size?

 

7 inch allround a local Aussie wheel with dayton spokes.
i had a Dayton Borrani look alikes on an DB6,but i'm told dayton dont make 'em anymore,they were polished rather then cromed,bugger would look awesome on my jag.
Just getting the 3.54 Diff fitted.
regards Rob Bailey
Image Unavailable, Please Login
Image Unavailable, Please Login
Image Unavailable, Please Login
Image Unavailable, Please Login
Image Unavailable, Please Login
Image Unavailable, Please Login
Image Unavailable, Please Login
Image Unavailable, Please Login

 

In a film called Silver Streak, the late, great Richard Pryor was at a car lot to steal a car. He told his co-conspirator, Gene Wilder, to pick something that blended in, so Wilder picked a station wagon. Pryor then starts up an XKE and tells the bewildered Wilder, "... that's a jerk-off car; this here is pure p@*$y!"
So ... there is your answer!

 

Funny you should ask. I'm the proud owner of 3 E Types, show winners all, and a lovely
1967 Austin Healey 3000 that took best in class in Greenwich two years ago. Never could really decide which I liked being seen in better but for driving experience when nobody's watching (especially the radar gun equipped), its the Jaguar and it's no contest.

 

I know of a beautifully restored 66 4.2 etype that should be coming on the market shortly. Let me know if interested.

 

The Series 1 cars were 265 bhp, IIRC? And probably weighed less than the 308.

IMHO, YHO is correct.

Amazing to see an E-Type sitting there in the fifth photo with a bunch of plastic-bumpered modern boxes.

 

Yup - about 2,800 pounds for the OTS, 2,900 for the FHC. Although the 265HP figure is gross HP, so you are looking at about 210HP at the wheels. Not earth shattering, but pretty good for the day.