1958 Austin-Healey Sprite vs. 1996 Chevrolet APV
To start off, 1996 Chevrolet APV 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 3,135 cc (6 cylinders), 1996 Chevrolet APV is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Chevrolet APV (118 HP @ 4200 RPM) has 74 more horse power than 1958 Austin-Healey Sprite. (44 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Chevrolet APV should accelerate faster than 1958 Austin-Healey Sprite. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Chevrolet APV weights approximately 951 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, 1996 Chevrolet APV, 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, 1996 Chevrolet APV (238 Nm @ 2200 RPM) has 167 more torque (in Nm) than 1958 Austin-Healey Sprite. (71 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1996 Chevrolet APV will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1958 Austin-Healey Sprite. 1996 Chevrolet APV has automatic transmission and 1958 Austin-Healey Sprite has manual transmission. 1958 Austin-Healey Sprite will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1996 Chevrolet APV will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1958 Austin-Healey Sprite | 1996 Chevrolet APV | |
| Make | Austin-Healey | Chevrolet |
| Model | Sprite | APV |
| Year Released | 1958 | 1996 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 948 cc | 3135 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 44 HP | 118 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 71 Nm | 238 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2200 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 664 kg | 1615 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3500 mm | 4850 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1350 mm | 1880 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1270 mm | 1680 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2040 mm | 2800 mm |
