1958 Austin-Healey Sprite vs. 1999 Mercury Cougar
To start off, 1999 Mercury Cougar is newer by 41 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 2,530 cc (6 cylinders), 1999 Mercury Cougar is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 Mercury Cougar (168 HP @ 6250 RPM) has 124 more horse power than 1958 Austin-Healey Sprite. (44 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1999 Mercury Cougar should accelerate faster than 1958 Austin-Healey Sprite. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 Mercury Cougar weights approximately 680 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, 1999 Mercury Cougar, 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, 1999 Mercury Cougar (223 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 152 more torque (in Nm) than 1958 Austin-Healey Sprite. (71 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1999 Mercury Cougar 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 | 1999 Mercury Cougar | |
Make | Austin-Healey | Mercury |
Model | Sprite | Cougar |
Year Released | 1958 | 1999 |
Body Type | Roadster | Coupe |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 948 cc | 2530 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 44 HP | 168 HP |
Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6250 RPM |
Torque | 71 Nm | 223 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4250 RPM |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 664 kg | 1344 kg |
Vehicle Length | 3500 mm | 4710 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1350 mm | 1770 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1270 mm | 1330 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2040 mm | 2710 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 27 L | 58 L |