1958 Austin-Healey Sprite vs. 1958 Simca Oceane
To start off, both 1958 Austin-Healey Sprite and 1958 Simca Oceane were released in the same year (1958). Therefore the support and the availability on parts for both vehicles should be relatively similar. At 1,290 cc (4 cylinders), 1958 Simca Oceane is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1958 Simca Oceane (56 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 12 more horse power than 1958 Austin-Healey Sprite. (44 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1958 Simca Oceane should accelerate faster than 1958 Austin-Healey Sprite. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1958 Simca Oceane weights approximately 308 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, 1958 Simca Oceane (88 Nm @ 3100 RPM) has 17 more torque (in Nm) than 1958 Austin-Healey Sprite. (71 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1958 Simca Oceane 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 | 1958 Simca Oceane | |
| Make | Austin-Healey | Simca |
| Model | Sprite | Oceane |
| Year Released | 1958 | 1958 |
| 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 | 88 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3100 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.3:1 | 6.8:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 664 kg | 972 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3500 mm | 4270 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1350 mm | 1580 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1270 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2040 mm | 2450 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 27 L | 55 L |
