1958 Austin-Healey Sprite vs. 1971 Lancia Fulvia
To start off, 1971 Lancia Fulvia is newer by 13 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 1,584 cc (4 cylinders), 1971 Lancia Fulvia is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1971 Lancia Fulvia (112 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 68 more horse power than 1958 Austin-Healey Sprite. (44 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1971 Lancia Fulvia should accelerate faster than 1958 Austin-Healey Sprite. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1971 Lancia Fulvia weights approximately 336 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.
Because 1958 Austin-Healey Sprite is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1958 Austin-Healey Sprite. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1971 Lancia Fulvia, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 1971 Lancia Fulvia (153 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 82 more torque (in Nm) than 1958 Austin-Healey Sprite. (71 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1971 Lancia Fulvia 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 | 1971 Lancia Fulvia | |
| Make | Austin-Healey | Lancia |
| Model | Sprite | Fulvia |
| Year Released | 1958 | 1971 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 948 cc | 1584 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 44 HP | 112 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 71 Nm | 153 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.3:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 664 kg | 1000 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3500 mm | 3990 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1350 mm | 1570 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1270 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2040 mm | 2340 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 27 L | 38 L |
