1958 Austin-Healey Sprite vs. 1975 Triumph Spitfire
To start off, 1975 Triumph Spitfire is newer by 17 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 1,493 cc (4 cylinders), 1975 Triumph Spitfire is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1975 Triumph Spitfire (71 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 27 more horse power than 1958 Austin-Healey Sprite. (44 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1975 Triumph Spitfire should accelerate faster than 1958 Austin-Healey Sprite. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1975 Triumph Spitfire weights approximately 151 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, 1975 Triumph Spitfire (111 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 40 more torque (in Nm) than 1958 Austin-Healey Sprite. (71 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1975 Triumph Spitfire 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 | 1975 Triumph Spitfire | |
Make | Austin-Healey | Triumph |
Model | Sprite | Spitfire |
Year Released | 1958 | 1975 |
Body Type | Roadster | Convertible |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 948 cc | 1493 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 44 HP | 71 HP |
Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
Torque | 71 Nm | 111 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
Engine Compression Ratio | 8.3:1 | 9.0:1 |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 664 kg | 815 kg |
Vehicle Length | 3500 mm | 3740 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1350 mm | 1450 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1270 mm | 1210 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2040 mm | 2110 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 27 L | 33 L |