1958 Austin-Healey Sprite vs. 1996 BMW 523
To start off, 1996 BMW 523 is newer by 38 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 2,494 cc (6 cylinders), 1996 BMW 523 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 BMW 523 (170 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 126 more horse power than 1958 Austin-Healey Sprite. (44 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 BMW 523 should accelerate faster than 1958 Austin-Healey Sprite. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 BMW 523 weights approximately 881 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.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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, 1996 BMW 523 (245 Nm @ 3950 RPM) has 174 more torque (in Nm) than 1958 Austin-Healey Sprite. (71 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1996 BMW 523 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 | 1996 BMW 523 | |
| Make | Austin-Healey | BMW |
| Model | Sprite | 523 |
| Year Released | 1958 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 948 cc | 2494 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 44 HP | 170 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 71 Nm | 245 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3950 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 664 kg | 1545 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3500 mm | 4780 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1350 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1270 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2040 mm | 2840 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 27 L | 70 L |
