1958 Austin-Healey Sprite vs. 1986 Oldsmobile Cutlass
To start off, 1986 Oldsmobile Cutlass is newer by 28 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 2,474 cc (4 cylinders), 1986 Oldsmobile Cutlass is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1986 Oldsmobile Cutlass (89 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 45 more horse power than 1958 Austin-Healey Sprite. (44 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1986 Oldsmobile Cutlass should accelerate faster than 1958 Austin-Healey Sprite. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1986 Oldsmobile Cutlass weights approximately 506 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, 1986 Oldsmobile Cutlass, 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, 1986 Oldsmobile Cutlass (179 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 108 more torque (in Nm) than 1958 Austin-Healey Sprite. (71 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1986 Oldsmobile Cutlass 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 | 1986 Oldsmobile Cutlass | |
| Make | Austin-Healey | Oldsmobile |
| Model | Sprite | Cutlass |
| Year Released | 1958 | 1986 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 948 cc | 2474 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 44 HP | 89 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 71 Nm | 179 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 664 kg | 1170 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3500 mm | 4550 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1350 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1270 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2040 mm | 2640 mm |
