1952 Austin-Healey 100 vs. 1988 Dodge Spirit
To start off, 1988 Dodge Spirit is newer by 36 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1952 Austin-Healey 100. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1952 Austin-Healey 100 would be higher. At 2,660 cc (4 cylinders), 1952 Austin-Healey 100 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 Dodge Spirit (150 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 61 more horse power than 1952 Austin-Healey 100. (89 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1988 Dodge Spirit should accelerate faster than 1952 Austin-Healey 100. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Dodge Spirit weights approximately 371 kg more than 1952 Austin-Healey 100. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1952 Austin-Healey 100 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 1952 Austin-Healey 100. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1988 Dodge Spirit, 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, 1988 Dodge Spirit (244 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 100 more torque (in Nm) than 1952 Austin-Healey 100. (144 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1988 Dodge Spirit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1952 Austin-Healey 100.
Compare all specifications:
| 1952 Austin-Healey 100 | 1988 Dodge Spirit | |
| Make | Austin-Healey | Dodge |
| Model | 100 | Spirit |
| Year Released | 1952 | 1988 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2660 cc | 2213 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 89 HP | 150 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 144 Nm | 244 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 945 kg | 1316 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3860 mm | 4610 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1540 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1250 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2290 mm | 2630 mm |
