1958 Austin-Healey Sprite vs. 1980 BMW M1
To start off, 1980 BMW M1 is newer by 22 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 3,453 cc (6 cylinders), 1980 BMW M1 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1980 BMW M1 (273 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 229 more horse power than 1958 Austin-Healey Sprite. (44 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1980 BMW M1 should accelerate faster than 1958 Austin-Healey Sprite. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1980 BMW M1 weights approximately 752 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, 1980 BMW M1 (330 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 259 more torque (in Nm) than 1958 Austin-Healey Sprite. (71 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1980 BMW M1 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 | 1980 BMW M1 | |
| Make | Austin-Healey | BMW |
| Model | Sprite | M1 |
| Year Released | 1958 | 1980 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 948 cc | 3453 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 44 HP | 273 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 71 Nm | 330 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Top Speed | 124 km/hour | 262 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 664 kg | 1416 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3500 mm | 4370 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1350 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1270 mm | 1150 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2040 mm | 2570 mm |
