1958 Austin-Healey Sprite vs. 1973 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 1973 Pontiac Firebird 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 7,467 cc (8 cylinders), 1973 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1973 Pontiac Firebird (335 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 291 more horse power than 1958 Austin-Healey Sprite. (44 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1973 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 1958 Austin-Healey Sprite. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1973 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 786 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. 1973 Pontiac Firebird 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 Pontiac Firebird will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1958 Austin-Healey Sprite | 1973 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Austin-Healey | Pontiac |
| Model | Sprite | Firebird |
| Year Released | 1958 | 1973 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 948 cc | 7467 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 44 HP | 335 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.3:1 | 10.3:1 |
| Top Speed | 124 km/hour | 201 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 664 kg | 1450 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3500 mm | 4870 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1350 mm | 1880 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1270 mm | 1280 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2040 mm | 2750 mm |
