1958 Austin-Healey Sprite vs. 1991 Wartburg 1.3 l Tourist
To start off, 1991 Wartburg 1.3 l Tourist is newer by 33 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 1,272 cc (4 cylinders), 1991 Wartburg 1.3 l Tourist is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1991 Wartburg 1.3 l Tourist (57 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 13 more horse power than 1958 Austin-Healey Sprite. (44 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1991 Wartburg 1.3 l Tourist should accelerate faster than 1958 Austin-Healey Sprite. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1991 Wartburg 1.3 l Tourist weights approximately 286 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, 1991 Wartburg 1.3 l Tourist, 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, 1991 Wartburg 1.3 l Tourist (96 Nm @ 3300 RPM) has 25 more torque (in Nm) than 1958 Austin-Healey Sprite. (71 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1991 Wartburg 1.3 l Tourist 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 | 1991 Wartburg 1.3 l Tourist | |
| Make | Austin-Healey | Wartburg |
| Model | Sprite | 1.3 l Tourist |
| Year Released | 1958 | 1991 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 948 cc | 1272 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 44 HP | 57 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 71 Nm | 96 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3300 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Vehicle Weight | 664 kg | 950 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3500 mm | 4280 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1350 mm | 1650 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1270 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2040 mm | 2460 mm |
