1955 Austin-Healey 100 vs. 1958 Austin-Healey Sprite
To start off, 1958 Austin-Healey Sprite is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1955 Austin-Healey 100. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1955 Austin-Healey 100 would be higher. At 2,660 cc (4 cylinders), 1955 Austin-Healey 100 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1955 Austin-Healey 100 (89 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 45 more horse power than 1958 Austin-Healey Sprite. (44 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1955 Austin-Healey 100 should accelerate faster than 1958 Austin-Healey Sprite. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1955 Austin-Healey 100 weights approximately 281 kg more than 1958 Austin-Healey Sprite. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 1955 Austin-Healey 100 (144 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 73 more torque (in Nm) than 1958 Austin-Healey Sprite. (71 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1955 Austin-Healey 100 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1958 Austin-Healey Sprite.
Compare all specifications:
| 1955 Austin-Healey 100 | 1958 Austin-Healey Sprite | |
| Make | Austin-Healey | Austin-Healey |
| Model | 100 | Sprite |
| Year Released | 1955 | 1958 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2660 cc | 948 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 89 HP | 44 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 144 Nm | 71 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 945 kg | 664 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3860 mm | 3500 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1540 mm | 1350 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1250 mm | 1270 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2290 mm | 2040 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 109 L | 27 L |
