1958 Austin-Healey Sprite vs. 1955 Riley Pathfinder
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 Riley Pathfinder. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1955 Riley Pathfinder would be higher. At 2,443 cc (4 cylinders), 1955 Riley Pathfinder is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1955 Riley Pathfinder (108 HP @ 4500 RPM) has 64 more horse power than 1958 Austin-Healey Sprite. (44 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1955 Riley Pathfinder should accelerate faster than 1958 Austin-Healey Sprite. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1955 Riley Pathfinder weights approximately 871 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 Riley Pathfinder (182 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 111 more torque (in Nm) than 1958 Austin-Healey Sprite. (71 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1955 Riley Pathfinder will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1958 Austin-Healey Sprite.
Compare all specifications:
| 1958 Austin-Healey Sprite | 1955 Riley Pathfinder | |
| Make | Austin-Healey | Riley |
| Model | Sprite | Pathfinder |
| Year Released | 1958 | 1955 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 948 cc | 2443 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 44 HP | 108 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Torque | 71 Nm | 182 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.3:1 | 7.3:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 664 kg | 1535 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3500 mm | 4650 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1350 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1270 mm | 1530 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2040 mm | 2860 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 27 L | 59 L |
