1958 Austin-Healey Sprite vs. 1974 Porsche 911
To start off, 1974 Porsche 911 is newer by 16 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 2,687 cc (6 cylinders), 1974 Porsche 911 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1974 Porsche 911 (151 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 107 more horse power than 1958 Austin-Healey Sprite. (44 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1974 Porsche 911 should accelerate faster than 1958 Austin-Healey Sprite. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 Porsche 911 weights approximately 411 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, 1974 Porsche 911 (240 Nm @ 3800 RPM) has 169 more torque (in Nm) than 1958 Austin-Healey Sprite. (71 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1974 Porsche 911 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 | 1974 Porsche 911 | |
| Make | Austin-Healey | Porsche |
| Model | Sprite | 911 |
| Year Released | 1958 | 1974 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 948 cc | 2687 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 44 HP | 151 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 71 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.3:1 | 8.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 124 km/hour | 222 km/hour |
| 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 | 1075 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3500 mm | 4300 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1350 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1270 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2040 mm | 2270 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 27 L | 80 L |
