1958 Austin-Healey Sprite vs. 1984 Buick Skylark
To start off, 1984 Buick Skylark is newer by 26 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 2,966 cc (6 cylinders), 1984 Buick Skylark is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1984 Buick Skylark (123 HP @ 4900 RPM) has 79 more horse power than 1958 Austin-Healey Sprite. (44 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1984 Buick Skylark should accelerate faster than 1958 Austin-Healey Sprite. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1984 Buick Skylark weights approximately 586 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, 1984 Buick Skylark, 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, 1984 Buick Skylark (203 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 132 more torque (in Nm) than 1958 Austin-Healey Sprite. (71 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1984 Buick Skylark will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1958 Austin-Healey Sprite. 1984 Buick Skylark 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. 1984 Buick Skylark will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
1958 Austin-Healey Sprite | 1984 Buick Skylark | |
Make | Austin-Healey | Buick |
Model | Sprite | Skylark |
Year Released | 1958 | 1984 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 948 cc | 2966 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 44 HP | 123 HP |
Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4900 RPM |
Torque | 71 Nm | 203 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2400 RPM |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
Vehicle Weight | 664 kg | 1250 kg |
Vehicle Length | 3500 mm | 4580 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1350 mm | 1700 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1270 mm | 1330 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2040 mm | 2630 mm |