1958 Austin-Healey Sprite vs. 1957 Simca Plein Ceil
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 Simca Plein Ceil. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1957 Simca Plein Ceil would be higher. At 1,290 cc (4 cylinders), 1957 Simca Plein Ceil is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1957 Simca Plein Ceil (56 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 12 more horse power than 1958 Austin-Healey Sprite. (44 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1957 Simca Plein Ceil should accelerate faster than 1958 Austin-Healey Sprite. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1957 Simca Plein Ceil weights approximately 276 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 Simca Plein Ceil (90 Nm @ 3100 RPM) has 19 more torque (in Nm) than 1958 Austin-Healey Sprite. (71 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1957 Simca Plein Ceil 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 Simca Plein Ceil | |
| Make | Austin-Healey | Simca |
| Model | Sprite | Plein Ceil |
| Year Released | 1958 | 1957 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 948 cc | 1290 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 44 HP | 56 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 71 Nm | 90 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3100 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.3:1 | 7.8:1 |
| Top Speed | 124 km/hour | 140 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 664 kg | 940 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3500 mm | 4270 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1350 mm | 1600 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1270 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2040 mm | 2450 mm |
