1958 Austin-Healey Sprite vs. 1998 Mazda 626
To start off, 1998 Mazda 626 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 1,840 cc (4 cylinders), 1998 Mazda 626 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Mazda 626 (89 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 45 more horse power than 1958 Austin-Healey Sprite. (44 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Mazda 626 should accelerate faster than 1958 Austin-Healey Sprite. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Mazda 626 weights approximately 530 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 Mazda 626, 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 Mazda 626 (145 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 74 more torque (in Nm) than 1958 Austin-Healey Sprite. (71 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1998 Mazda 626 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 Mazda 626 | |
Make | Austin-Healey | Mazda |
Model | Sprite | 626 |
Year Released | 1958 | 1998 |
Body Type | Roadster | Station Wagon |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 948 cc | 1840 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 44 HP | 89 HP |
Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
Torque | 71 Nm | 145 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2500 RPM |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 664 kg | 1194 kg |
Vehicle Length | 3500 mm | 4700 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1350 mm | 1760 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1270 mm | 1400 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2040 mm | 2620 mm |