1958 Austin-Healey Sprite vs. 1983 Opel Kadett
To start off, 1983 Opel Kadett 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 1,796 cc (4 cylinders), 1983 Opel Kadett is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1983 Opel Kadett (114 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 70 more horse power than 1958 Austin-Healey Sprite. (44 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1983 Opel Kadett should accelerate faster than 1958 Austin-Healey Sprite. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1983 Opel Kadett weights approximately 326 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 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, 1983 Opel Kadett (148 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 77 more torque (in Nm) than 1958 Austin-Healey Sprite. (71 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1983 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 | 1983 Opel Kadett | |
| Make | Austin-Healey | Opel |
| Model | Sprite | Kadett |
| Year Released | 1958 | 1983 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 948 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 44 HP | 114 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 71 Nm | 148 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.3:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 664 kg | 990 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 |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 27 L | 40 L |
