1958 Austin-Healey Sprite vs. 1984 Ford Laser
To start off, 1984 Ford Laser 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 1,490 cc (4 cylinders), 1984 Ford Laser is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1984 Ford Laser (85 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 41 more horse power than 1958 Austin-Healey Sprite. (44 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1984 Ford Laser should accelerate faster than 1958 Austin-Healey Sprite. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1984 Ford Laser weights approximately 126 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 Laser, 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 Laser (120 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 49 more torque (in Nm) than 1958 Austin-Healey Sprite. (71 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1984 Ford Laser 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 Laser | |
Make | Austin-Healey | Ford |
Model | Sprite | Laser |
Year Released | 1958 | 1984 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 948 cc | 1490 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 44 HP | 85 HP |
Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
Torque | 71 Nm | 120 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
Vehicle Weight | 664 kg | 790 kg |
Vehicle Length | 3500 mm | 3960 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1350 mm | 1640 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1270 mm | 1380 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2040 mm | 2370 mm |