1958 Austin-Healey Sprite vs. 1957 Chevrolet Corvette
To start off, 1958 Austin-Healey Sprite is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1957 Chevrolet Corvette. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1957 Chevrolet Corvette would be higher. At 4,638 cc (8 cylinders), 1957 Chevrolet Corvette is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1957 Chevrolet Corvette (230 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 186 more horse power than 1958 Austin-Healey Sprite. (44 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1957 Chevrolet Corvette should accelerate faster than 1958 Austin-Healey Sprite. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1957 Chevrolet Corvette weights approximately 712 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, 1957 Chevrolet Corvette (407 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 336 more torque (in Nm) than 1958 Austin-Healey Sprite. (71 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1957 Chevrolet Corvette 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 | 1957 Chevrolet Corvette | |
| Make | Austin-Healey | Chevrolet |
| Model | Sprite | Corvette |
| Year Released | 1958 | 1957 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 948 cc | 4638 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 44 HP | 230 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 71 Nm | 407 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.3:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Top Speed | 124 km/hour | 220 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 664 kg | 1376 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3500 mm | 4520 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1350 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1270 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2040 mm | 2600 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 27 L | 61 L |
