1958 Austin-Healey Sprite vs. 1981 Oldsmobile Toronado
To start off, 1981 Oldsmobile Toronado is newer by 23 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 4,129 cc (6 cylinders), 1981 Oldsmobile Toronado is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Oldsmobile Toronado (123 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 79 more horse power than 1958 Austin-Healey Sprite. (44 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1981 Oldsmobile Toronado should accelerate faster than 1958 Austin-Healey Sprite. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Oldsmobile Toronado weights approximately 1036 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, 1981 Oldsmobile Toronado (278 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 207 more torque (in Nm) than 1958 Austin-Healey Sprite. (71 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1981 Oldsmobile Toronado will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1958 Austin-Healey Sprite. 1981 Oldsmobile Toronado has automatic transmission and 1958 Austin-Healey Sprite has manual transmission. 1958 Austin-Healey Sprite will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1981 Oldsmobile Toronado will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1958 Austin-Healey Sprite | 1981 Oldsmobile Toronado | |
| Make | Austin-Healey | Oldsmobile |
| Model | Sprite | Toronado |
| Year Released | 1958 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 948 cc | 4129 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 44 HP | 123 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 71 Nm | 278 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 664 kg | 1700 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3500 mm | 5230 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1350 mm | 2040 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1270 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2040 mm | 2910 mm |
