1958 Austin-Healey Sprite vs. 1990 Fiat Tempra
To start off, 1990 Fiat Tempra is newer by 32 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 1,372 cc (4 cylinders), 1990 Fiat Tempra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1990 Fiat Tempra (72 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 28 more horse power than 1958 Austin-Healey Sprite. (44 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1990 Fiat Tempra should accelerate faster than 1958 Austin-Healey Sprite. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1990 Fiat Tempra weights approximately 362 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, 1990 Fiat Tempra, 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, 1990 Fiat Tempra (109 Nm @ 2900 RPM) has 38 more torque (in Nm) than 1958 Austin-Healey Sprite. (71 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1990 Fiat Tempra 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 | 1990 Fiat Tempra | |
| Make | Austin-Healey | Fiat |
| Model | Sprite | Tempra |
| Year Released | 1958 | 1990 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 948 cc | 1372 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 44 HP | 72 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 71 Nm | 109 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2900 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.3:1 | 9.2:1 |
| Top Speed | 124 km/hour | 172 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 664 kg | 1026 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3500 mm | 4360 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1350 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1270 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2040 mm | 2550 mm |
