1958 Austin-Healey Sprite vs. 1973 NSU Ro 80
To start off, 1973 NSU Ro 80 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 2,390 cc, 1973 NSU Ro 80 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1973 NSU Ro 80 (114 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 70 more horse power than 1958 Austin-Healey Sprite. (44 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1973 NSU Ro 80 should accelerate faster than 1958 Austin-Healey Sprite. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1973 NSU Ro 80 weights approximately 546 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, 1973 NSU Ro 80, 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, 1973 NSU Ro 80 (162 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 91 more torque (in Nm) than 1958 Austin-Healey Sprite. (71 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1973 NSU Ro 80 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1958 Austin-Healey Sprite. 1973 NSU Ro 80 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. 1973 NSU Ro 80 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1958 Austin-Healey Sprite | 1973 NSU Ro 80 | |
| Make | Austin-Healey | NSU |
| Model | Sprite | Ro 80 |
| Year Released | 1958 | 1973 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 948 cc | 2390 cc |
| Horse Power | 44 HP | 114 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 71 Nm | 162 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 664 kg | 1210 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3500 mm | 4790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1350 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1270 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2040 mm | 2870 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 27 L | 37 L |
