1958 Austin-Healey Sprite vs. 1982 Opel Kadett
To start off, 1982 Opel Kadett is newer by 24 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 1,598 cc (4 cylinders), 1982 Opel Kadett is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1982 Opel Kadett (53 HP @ 4600 RPM) has 9 more horse power than 1958 Austin-Healey Sprite. (44 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1982 Opel Kadett should accelerate faster than 1958 Austin-Healey Sprite. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1982 Opel Kadett weights approximately 316 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, 1982 Opel Kadett, 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, 1982 Opel Kadett (94 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 23 more torque (in Nm) than 1958 Austin-Healey Sprite. (71 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1982 Opel Kadett 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 | 1982 Opel Kadett | |
| Make | Austin-Healey | Opel |
| Model | Sprite | Kadett |
| Year Released | 1958 | 1982 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 948 cc | 1598 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 44 HP | 53 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Torque | 71 Nm | 94 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 664 kg | 980 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3500 mm | 4010 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1350 mm | 1650 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1270 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2040 mm | 2520 mm |
