1958 Austin-Healey Sprite vs. 1971 Mercury Comet
To start off, 1971 Mercury Comet 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 2,782 cc (6 cylinders), 1971 Mercury Comet is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1971 Mercury Comet (81 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 37 more horse power than 1958 Austin-Healey Sprite. (44 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1971 Mercury Comet should accelerate faster than 1958 Austin-Healey Sprite. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1971 Mercury Comet weights approximately 556 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, 1971 Mercury Comet (175 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 104 more torque (in Nm) than 1958 Austin-Healey Sprite. (71 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1971 Mercury Comet 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 Mercury Comet | |
| Make | Austin-Healey | Mercury |
| Model | Sprite | Comet |
| Year Released | 1958 | 1971 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 948 cc | 2782 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 44 HP | 81 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 71 Nm | 175 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Vehicle Weight | 664 kg | 1220 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3500 mm | 4620 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1350 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1270 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2040 mm | 2630 mm |
