1958 Austin-Healey Sprite vs. 1959 Steyr 500D
To start off, 1959 Steyr 500D 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 948 cc (4 cylinders), 1958 Austin-Healey Sprite is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1958 Austin-Healey Sprite (44 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 25 more horse power than 1959 Steyr 500D. (19 HP @ 4600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1958 Austin-Healey Sprite should accelerate faster than 1959 Steyr 500D. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1958 Austin-Healey Sprite weights approximately 184 kg more than 1959 Steyr 500D. 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 Austin-Healey Sprite (71 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 39 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Steyr 500D. (32 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 1958 Austin-Healey Sprite will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Steyr 500D.
Compare all specifications:
| 1958 Austin-Healey Sprite | 1959 Steyr 500D | |
| Make | Austin-Healey | Steyr |
| Model | Sprite | 500D |
| Year Released | 1958 | 1959 |
| Engine Size | 948 cc | 488 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 2 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 44 HP | 19 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Torque | 71 Nm | 32 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 664 kg | 480 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3500 mm | 2970 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1350 mm | 1330 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1270 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2040 mm | 1850 mm |
