1958 Austin-Healey Sprite vs. 1968 Dodge Polara
To start off, 1968 Dodge Polara is newer by 10 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 5,210 cc (8 cylinders), 1968 Dodge Polara is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1968 Dodge Polara (230 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 186 more horse power than 1958 Austin-Healey Sprite. (44 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1968 Dodge Polara should accelerate faster than 1958 Austin-Healey Sprite. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1968 Dodge Polara weights approximately 816 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, 1968 Dodge Polara (461 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 390 more torque (in Nm) than 1958 Austin-Healey Sprite. (71 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1968 Dodge Polara will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1958 Austin-Healey Sprite. 1968 Dodge Polara has automatic transmission and 1958 Austin-Healey Sprite has manual transmission. 1958 Austin-Healey Sprite will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1968 Dodge Polara will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1958 Austin-Healey Sprite | 1968 Dodge Polara | |
| Make | Austin-Healey | Dodge |
| Model | Sprite | Polara |
| Year Released | 1958 | 1968 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 948 cc | 5210 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 44 HP | 230 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 71 Nm | 461 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.3:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 664 kg | 1480 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3500 mm | 5410 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1350 mm | 1990 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1270 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2040 mm | 3030 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 27 L | 75 L |
