1958 Austin-Healey Sprite vs. 1980 Renault 12
To start off, 1980 Renault 12 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 1,288 cc (4 cylinders), 1980 Renault 12 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1980 Renault 12 (53 HP @ 5250 RPM) has 9 more horse power than 1958 Austin-Healey Sprite. (44 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1980 Renault 12 should accelerate faster than 1958 Austin-Healey Sprite. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1980 Renault 12 weights approximately 236 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, 1980 Renault 12, 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, 1980 Renault 12 (94 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 23 more torque (in Nm) than 1958 Austin-Healey Sprite. (71 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1980 Renault 12 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 Renault 12 | |
Make | Austin-Healey | Renault |
Model | Sprite | 12 |
Year Released | 1958 | 1980 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 948 cc | 1288 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 44 HP | 53 HP |
Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5250 RPM |
Torque | 71 Nm | 94 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
Engine Compression Ratio | 8.3:1 | 8.5:1 |
Top Speed | 124 km/hour | 143 km/hour |
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 | 900 kg |
Vehicle Length | 3500 mm | 4350 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1350 mm | 1620 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1270 mm | 1440 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2040 mm | 2450 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 27 L | 56 L |