1958 Austin-Healey Sprite vs. 1974 Volvo 343
To start off, 1974 Volvo 343 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 1,397 cc (4 cylinders), 1974 Volvo 343 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1974 Volvo 343 (70 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 26 more horse power than 1958 Austin-Healey Sprite. (44 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1974 Volvo 343 should accelerate faster than 1958 Austin-Healey Sprite. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 Volvo 343 weights approximately 279 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 Volvo 343 (107 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 36 more torque (in Nm) than 1958 Austin-Healey Sprite. (71 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1974 Volvo 343 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 Volvo 343 | |
Make | Austin-Healey | Volvo |
Model | Sprite | 343 |
Year Released | 1958 | 1974 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 948 cc | 1397 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 44 HP | 70 HP |
Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
Torque | 71 Nm | 107 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
Engine Compression Ratio | 8.3:1 | 9.3:1 |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 664 kg | 943 kg |
Vehicle Length | 3500 mm | 4150 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1350 mm | 1670 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1270 mm | 1400 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2040 mm | 2400 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 27 L | 45 L |