1958 Austin-Healey Sprite vs. 1978 Opel Senator
To start off, 1978 Opel Senator 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 2,969 cc (6 cylinders), 1978 Opel Senator is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Opel Senator (170 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 126 more horse power than 1958 Austin-Healey Sprite. (44 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1978 Opel Senator should accelerate faster than 1958 Austin-Healey Sprite. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Opel Senator weights approximately 676 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, 1978 Opel Senator (248 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 177 more torque (in Nm) than 1958 Austin-Healey Sprite. (71 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1978 Opel Senator 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 Opel Senator | |
| Make | Austin-Healey | Opel |
| Model | Sprite | Senator |
| Year Released | 1958 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 948 cc | 2969 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 44 HP | 170 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 71 Nm | 248 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.3:1 | 6.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 664 kg | 1340 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3500 mm | 4820 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1350 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1270 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2040 mm | 2740 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 27 L | 70 L |
