1958 Austin-Healey Sprite vs. 1988 Fiat Tipo
To start off, 1988 Fiat Tipo is newer by 30 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 1,756 cc (4 cylinders), 1988 Fiat Tipo is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 Fiat Tipo (138 HP @ 6250 RPM) has 94 more horse power than 1958 Austin-Healey Sprite. (44 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1988 Fiat Tipo should accelerate faster than 1958 Austin-Healey Sprite. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Fiat Tipo weights approximately 436 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, 1988 Fiat Tipo, 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, 1988 Fiat Tipo (84 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 13 more torque (in Nm) than 1958 Austin-Healey Sprite. (71 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1988 Fiat Tipo 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 | 1988 Fiat Tipo | |
| Make | Austin-Healey | Fiat |
| Model | Sprite | Tipo |
| Year Released | 1958 | 1988 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 948 cc | 1756 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 44 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6250 RPM |
| Torque | 71 Nm | 84 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2500 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 |
| Vehicle Weight | 664 kg | 1100 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3500 mm | 3960 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1350 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1270 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2040 mm | 2550 mm |
