1958 Austin-Healey Sprite vs. 1979 Simca 1308
To start off, 1979 Simca 1308 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 1,292 cc (4 cylinders), 1979 Simca 1308 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1979 Simca 1308 (67 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 23 more horse power than 1958 Austin-Healey Sprite. (44 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1979 Simca 1308 should accelerate faster than 1958 Austin-Healey Sprite. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Simca 1308 weights approximately 376 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.
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, 1979 Simca 1308, 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, 1979 Simca 1308 (107 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 36 more torque (in Nm) than 1958 Austin-Healey Sprite. (71 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1979 Simca 1308 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 Simca 1308 | |
| Make | Austin-Healey | Simca |
| Model | Sprite | 1308 |
| Year Released | 1958 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 948 cc | 1292 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 44 HP | 67 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 71 Nm | 107 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.3:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 664 kg | 1040 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3500 mm | 4260 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1350 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1270 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2040 mm | 2610 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 27 L | 58 L |
