1958 Austin-Healey Sprite vs. 1999 Mitsubishi Magna
To start off, 1999 Mitsubishi Magna 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 2,351 cc (4 cylinders), 1999 Mitsubishi Magna is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 Mitsubishi Magna (141 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 97 more horse power than 1958 Austin-Healey Sprite. (44 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1999 Mitsubishi Magna should accelerate faster than 1958 Austin-Healey Sprite. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 Mitsubishi Magna weights approximately 706 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 Mitsubishi Magna, 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 Mitsubishi Magna (205 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 134 more torque (in Nm) than 1958 Austin-Healey Sprite. (71 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1999 Mitsubishi Magna will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1958 Austin-Healey Sprite. 1999 Mitsubishi Magna 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. 1999 Mitsubishi Magna will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1958 Austin-Healey Sprite | 1999 Mitsubishi Magna | |
| Make | Austin-Healey | Mitsubishi |
| Model | Sprite | Magna |
| Year Released | 1958 | 1999 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 948 cc | 2351 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 44 HP | 141 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 71 Nm | 205 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 664 kg | 1370 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3500 mm | 4790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1350 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1270 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2040 mm | 2730 mm |
