1958 Austin-Healey Sprite vs. 1981 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 1981 Pontiac Firebird 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 5,012 cc (8 cylinders), 1981 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Pontiac Firebird (145 HP @ 3800 RPM) has 101 more horse power than 1958 Austin-Healey Sprite. (44 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1981 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 1958 Austin-Healey Sprite. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 878 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 Pontiac Firebird (324 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 253 more torque (in Nm) than 1958 Austin-Healey Sprite. (71 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1981 Pontiac Firebird 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 | 1981 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Austin-Healey | Pontiac |
| Model | Sprite | Firebird |
| Year Released | 1958 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 948 cc | 5012 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 44 HP | 145 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Torque | 71 Nm | 324 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.3:1 | 8.6:1 |
| Top Speed | 124 km/hour | 160 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 664 kg | 1542 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3500 mm | 5040 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1350 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1270 mm | 1260 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2040 mm | 2750 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 27 L | 79 L |
