1958 Austin-Healey Sprite vs. 1979 Volkswagen Iltis
To start off, 1979 Volkswagen Iltis 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 1,714 cc (4 cylinders), 1979 Volkswagen Iltis is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1979 Volkswagen Iltis (74 HP) has 30 more horse power than 1958 Austin-Healey Sprite. (44 HP) In normal driving conditions, 1979 Volkswagen Iltis should accelerate faster than 1958 Austin-Healey Sprite. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Volkswagen Iltis weights approximately 636 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 1979 Volkswagen Iltis is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1958 Austin-Healey Sprite. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1979 Volkswagen Iltis will offer significantly more control. 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 Volkswagen Iltis (135 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 64 more torque (in Nm) than 1958 Austin-Healey Sprite. (71 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1979 Volkswagen Iltis 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 Volkswagen Iltis | |
| Make | Austin-Healey | Volkswagen |
| Model | Sprite | Iltis |
| Year Released | 1958 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 948 cc | 1714 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 44 HP | 74 HP |
| Torque | 71 Nm | 135 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 6 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 664 kg | 1300 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3500 mm | 3890 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1350 mm | 1530 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1270 mm | 1840 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2040 mm | 2110 mm |
