1958 Austin-Healey Sprite vs. 1973 Ford Capri
To start off, 1973 Ford Capri is newer by 15 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 2,792 cc (6 cylinders), 1973 Ford Capri is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1973 Ford Capri (104 HP @ 4600 RPM) has 60 more horse power than 1958 Austin-Healey Sprite. (44 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1973 Ford Capri should accelerate faster than 1958 Austin-Healey Sprite. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1973 Ford Capri weights approximately 398 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, 1973 Ford Capri (190 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 119 more torque (in Nm) than 1958 Austin-Healey Sprite. (71 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1973 Ford Capri 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 | 1973 Ford Capri | |
| Make | Austin-Healey | Ford |
| Model | Sprite | Capri |
| Year Released | 1958 | 1973 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 948 cc | 2792 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 44 HP | 104 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Torque | 71 Nm | 190 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 664 kg | 1062 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3500 mm | 4270 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1350 mm | 1660 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1270 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2040 mm | 2570 mm |
