1958 Austin-Healey Sprite vs. 1985 Volkswagen Polo
To start off, 1985 Volkswagen Polo is newer by 27 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 1,043 cc (4 cylinders), 1985 Volkswagen Polo is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1958 Austin-Healey Sprite (44 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 6 more horse power than 1985 Volkswagen Polo. (38 HP @ 5300 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1958 Austin-Healey Sprite should accelerate faster than 1985 Volkswagen Polo. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1985 Volkswagen Polo weights approximately 36 kg more than 1958 Austin-Healey Sprite.
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, 1985 Volkswagen Polo, 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, 1985 Volkswagen Polo (74 Nm @ 2700 RPM) has 3 more torque (in Nm) than 1958 Austin-Healey Sprite. (71 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1985 Volkswagen Polo 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 | 1985 Volkswagen Polo | |
| Make | Austin-Healey | Volkswagen |
| Model | Sprite | Polo |
| Year Released | 1958 | 1985 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 948 cc | 1043 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 44 HP | 38 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5300 RPM |
| Torque | 71 Nm | 74 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2700 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.3:1 | 9.5:1 |
| 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 | 700 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3500 mm | 3660 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1350 mm | 1590 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1270 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2040 mm | 2340 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 27 L | 55 L |
