1958 Austin-Healey Sprite vs. 1987 Fiat Panda
To start off, 1987 Fiat Panda is newer by 29 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 948 cc (4 cylinders), 1958 Austin-Healey Sprite is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1958 Austin-Healey Sprite (44 HP) has 10 more horse power than 1987 Fiat Panda. (34 HP). In normal driving conditions, 1958 Austin-Healey Sprite should accelerate faster than 1987 Fiat Panda. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1987 Fiat Panda weights approximately 16 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, 1987 Fiat Panda, 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, 1958 Austin-Healey Sprite (71 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 14 more torque (in Nm) than 1987 Fiat Panda. (57 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1958 Austin-Healey Sprite will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1987 Fiat Panda.
Compare all specifications:
| 1958 Austin-Healey Sprite | 1987 Fiat Panda | |
| Make | Austin-Healey | Fiat |
| Model | Sprite | Panda |
| Year Released | 1958 | 1987 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 948 cc | 769 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 44 HP | 34 HP |
| Torque | 71 Nm | 57 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.3:1 | 9.2:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 664 kg | 680 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3500 mm | 3420 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1350 mm | 1500 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1270 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2040 mm | 2170 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 27 L | 50 L |
