1958 Austin-Healey Sprite vs. 1959 Ford 17M
To start off, 1959 Ford 17M is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1958 Austin-Healey Sprite. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1958 Austin-Healey Sprite would be higher. At 1,697 cc (4 cylinders), 1959 Ford 17M is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1959 Ford 17M (59 HP @ 4250 RPM) has 15 more horse power than 1958 Austin-Healey Sprite. (44 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1959 Ford 17M should accelerate faster than 1958 Austin-Healey Sprite. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1959 Ford 17M weights approximately 451 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, 1959 Ford 17M (120 Nm @ 2200 RPM) has 49 more torque (in Nm) than 1958 Austin-Healey Sprite. (71 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1959 Ford 17M 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 | 1959 Ford 17M | |
Make | Austin-Healey | Ford |
Model | Sprite | 17M |
Year Released | 1958 | 1959 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 948 cc | 1697 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 44 HP | 59 HP |
Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4250 RPM |
Torque | 71 Nm | 120 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2200 RPM |
Engine Compression Ratio | 8.3:1 | 7.1:1 |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 664 kg | 1115 kg |
Vehicle Length | 3500 mm | 4380 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1350 mm | 1680 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1270 mm | 1510 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2040 mm | 2610 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 27 L | 55 L |