1958 Austin-Healey Sprite vs. 1997 Peugeot 306
To start off, 1997 Peugeot 306 is newer by 39 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 1,587 cc (4 cylinders), 1997 Peugeot 306 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Peugeot 306 (89 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 45 more horse power than 1958 Austin-Healey Sprite. (44 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Peugeot 306 should accelerate faster than 1958 Austin-Healey Sprite. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Peugeot 306 weights approximately 536 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, 1997 Peugeot 306, 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, 1997 Peugeot 306 (135 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 64 more torque (in Nm) than 1958 Austin-Healey Sprite. (71 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1997 Peugeot 306 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 | 1997 Peugeot 306 | |
| Make | Austin-Healey | Peugeot |
| Model | Sprite | 306 |
| Year Released | 1958 | 1997 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 948 cc | 1587 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 44 HP | 89 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 71 Nm | 135 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.3:1 | 10.2:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 664 kg | 1200 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3500 mm | 4150 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1350 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1270 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2040 mm | 2550 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 27 L | 45 L |
