1958 Austin-Healey Sprite vs. 1978 BMW 725
To start off, 1978 BMW 725 is newer by 20 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 2,495 cc (6 cylinders), 1978 BMW 725 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 BMW 725 (148 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 104 more horse power than 1958 Austin-Healey Sprite. (44 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1978 BMW 725 should accelerate faster than 1958 Austin-Healey Sprite.
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, 1978 BMW 725 (215 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 144 more torque (in Nm) than 1958 Austin-Healey Sprite. (71 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1978 BMW 725 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 | 1978 BMW 725 | |
| Make | Austin-Healey | BMW |
| Model | Sprite | 725 |
| Year Released | 1958 | 1978 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 948 cc | 2495 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 44 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 71 Nm | 215 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.3:1 | 9.6:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 3500 mm | 4870 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1350 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1270 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2040 mm | 2810 mm |
