1958 Austin-Healey Sprite vs. 1979 Datsun Laurel
To start off, 1979 Datsun Laurel is newer by 21 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 2,393 cc (6 cylinders), 1979 Datsun Laurel is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1979 Datsun Laurel (113 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 69 more horse power than 1958 Austin-Healey Sprite. (44 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1979 Datsun Laurel should accelerate faster than 1958 Austin-Healey Sprite. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Datsun Laurel weights approximately 524 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, 1979 Datsun Laurel (175 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 104 more torque (in Nm) than 1958 Austin-Healey Sprite. (71 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1979 Datsun Laurel 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 | 1979 Datsun Laurel | |
| Make | Austin-Healey | Datsun |
| Model | Sprite | Laurel |
| Year Released | 1958 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 948 cc | 2393 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 44 HP | 113 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 71 Nm | 175 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.3:1 | 8.6:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 664 kg | 1188 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3500 mm | 4630 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1350 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1270 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2040 mm | 2680 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 27 L | 60 L |
