1958 Austin-Healey Sprite vs. 1989 Ford Escort
To start off, 1989 Ford Escort is newer by 31 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 1,390 cc (4 cylinders), 1989 Ford Escort is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Ford Escort (74 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 30 more horse power than 1958 Austin-Healey Sprite. (44 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1989 Ford Escort should accelerate faster 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, 1989 Ford Escort, 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, 1989 Ford Escort (109 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 38 more torque (in Nm) than 1958 Austin-Healey Sprite. (71 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1989 Ford Escort 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 | 1989 Ford Escort | |
Make | Austin-Healey | Ford |
Model | Sprite | Escort |
Year Released | 1958 | 1989 |
Body Type | Roadster | Station Wagon |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 948 cc | 1390 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 44 HP | 74 HP |
Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5600 RPM |
Torque | 71 Nm | 109 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
Engine Compression Ratio | 8.3:1 | 9.5:1 |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
Vehicle Length | 3500 mm | 4090 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1350 mm | 1650 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1270 mm | 1400 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2040 mm | 2410 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 27 L | 54 L |