1958 Austin-Healey Sprite vs. 1978 Volkswagen Beetle
To start off, 1978 Volkswagen Beetle 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 1,285 cc (4 cylinders), 1978 Volkswagen Beetle is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1958 Austin-Healey Sprite (44 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 1 more horse power than 1978 Volkswagen Beetle. (43 HP @ 4100 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1958 Austin-Healey Sprite should accelerate faster than 1978 Volkswagen Beetle. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Volkswagen Beetle weights approximately 156 kg more than 1958 Austin-Healey Sprite.
Because 1958 Austin-Healey Sprite is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1958 Austin-Healey Sprite. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1978 Volkswagen Beetle, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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 Volkswagen Beetle (86 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 15 more torque (in Nm) than 1958 Austin-Healey Sprite. (71 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1978 Volkswagen Beetle 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 Volkswagen Beetle | |
| Make | Austin-Healey | Volkswagen |
| Model | Sprite | Beetle |
| Year Released | 1958 | 1978 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 948 cc | 1285 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 44 HP | 43 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4100 RPM |
| Torque | 71 Nm | 86 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 664 kg | 820 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3500 mm | 4070 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1350 mm | 1560 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2040 mm | 2410 mm |
