1952 Austin A 40 vs. 1967 Austin-Healey Sprite
To start off, 1967 Austin-Healey Sprite is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1952 Austin A 40. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1952 Austin A 40 would be higher. At 1,275 cc (4 cylinders), 1967 Austin-Healey Sprite is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1967 Austin-Healey Sprite (64 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 23 more horse power than 1952 Austin A 40. (41 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1967 Austin-Healey Sprite should accelerate faster than 1952 Austin A 40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1952 Austin A 40 weights approximately 286 kg more than 1967 Austin-Healey Sprite.
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, 1967 Austin-Healey Sprite (98 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 19 more torque (in Nm) than 1952 Austin A 40. (79 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1967 Austin-Healey Sprite will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1952 Austin A 40.
Compare all specifications:
| 1952 Austin A 40 | 1967 Austin-Healey Sprite | |
| Make | Austin | Austin-Healey |
| Model | A 40 | Sprite |
| Year Released | 1952 | 1967 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Roadster |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1199 cc | 1275 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 41 HP | 64 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 79 Nm | 98 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 65.5 mm | 70.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89 mm | 81.3 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 7.2:1 | 8.8:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1000 kg | 714 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4060 mm | 3490 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1610 mm | 1350 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1590 mm | 1230 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2360 mm | 2040 mm |
