1958 Austin-Healey Sprite vs. 1984 Ford Escort
To start off, 1984 Ford Escort 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 1,597 cc (4 cylinders), 1984 Ford Escort is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1984 Ford Escort (53 HP @ 4700 RPM) has 9 more horse power than 1958 Austin-Healey Sprite. (44 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1984 Ford Escort should accelerate faster than 1958 Austin-Healey Sprite. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1984 Ford Escort weights approximately 246 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 Ford Escort, 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 Ford Escort (95 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 24 more torque (in Nm) than 1958 Austin-Healey Sprite. (71 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1984 Ford Escort 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 | 1984 Ford Escort | |
| Make | Austin-Healey | Ford |
| Model | Sprite | Escort |
| Year Released | 1958 | 1984 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 948 cc | 1597 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 44 HP | 53 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4700 RPM |
| Torque | 71 Nm | 95 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.3:1 | 21.5:1 |
| Top Speed | 124 km/hour | 146 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 664 kg | 910 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3500 mm | 4040 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1350 mm | 1650 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1270 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2040 mm | 2410 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 27 L | 55 L |
