1958 Austin-Healey Sprite vs. 1989 Renault 4
To start off, 1989 Renault 4 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 956 cc (4 cylinders), 1989 Renault 4 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1958 Austin-Healey Sprite (44 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 10 more horse power than 1989 Renault 4. (34 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1958 Austin-Healey Sprite should accelerate faster than 1989 Renault 4. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 Renault 4 weights approximately 31 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, 1989 Renault 4, 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 9 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Renault 4. (62 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1958 Austin-Healey Sprite will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 Renault 4.
Compare all specifications:
| 1958 Austin-Healey Sprite | 1989 Renault 4 | |
| Make | Austin-Healey | Renault |
| Model | Sprite | 4 |
| Year Released | 1958 | 1989 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 948 cc | 956 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 44 HP | 34 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 71 Nm | 62 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 664 kg | 695 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3500 mm | 3670 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1350 mm | 1490 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1270 mm | 1560 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2040 mm | 2410 mm |
