1958 Austin-Healey Sprite vs. 1998 Ford Contour
To start off, 1998 Ford Contour is newer by 40 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 2,544 cc (6 cylinders), 1998 Ford Contour is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Ford Contour (195 HP @ 6625 RPM) has 151 more horse power than 1958 Austin-Healey Sprite. (44 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Ford Contour should accelerate faster than 1958 Austin-Healey Sprite. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Ford Contour weights approximately 747 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, 1998 Ford Contour, 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, 1998 Ford Contour (224 Nm @ 5625 RPM) has 153 more torque (in Nm) than 1958 Austin-Healey Sprite. (71 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1998 Ford Contour 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 | 1998 Ford Contour | |
Make | Austin-Healey | Ford |
Model | Sprite | Contour |
Year Released | 1958 | 1998 |
Body Type | Roadster | Sedan |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 948 cc | 2544 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | V |
Horse Power | 44 HP | 195 HP |
Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6625 RPM |
Torque | 71 Nm | 224 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 5625 RPM |
Engine Compression Ratio | 8.3:1 | 10.0:1 |
Top Speed | 124 km/hour | 225 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 | 1411 kg |
Vehicle Height | 1270 mm | 1390 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2040 mm | 2730 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 27 L | 54 L |