1958 Austin-Healey Sprite vs. 1983 Nissan Bluebird
To start off, 1983 Nissan Bluebird is newer by 25 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 1,950 cc (4 cylinders), 1983 Nissan Bluebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1983 Nissan Bluebird (57 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 13 more horse power than 1958 Austin-Healey Sprite. (44 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1983 Nissan Bluebird should accelerate faster than 1958 Austin-Healey Sprite. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1983 Nissan Bluebird weights approximately 606 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, 1983 Nissan Bluebird, 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, 1983 Nissan Bluebird (113 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 42 more torque (in Nm) than 1958 Austin-Healey Sprite. (71 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1983 Nissan Bluebird 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 | 1983 Nissan Bluebird | |
| Make | Austin-Healey | Nissan |
| Model | Sprite | Bluebird |
| Year Released | 1958 | 1983 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 948 cc | 1950 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 44 HP | 57 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 71 Nm | 113 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Vehicle Weight | 664 kg | 1270 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3500 mm | 4410 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1350 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1270 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2040 mm | 2560 mm |
