1958 Austin-Healey Sprite vs. 2001 BMW Z3
To start off, 2001 BMW Z3 is newer by 43 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 2,488 cc (6 cylinders), 2001 BMW Z3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 BMW Z3 (185 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 141 more horse power than 1958 Austin-Healey Sprite. (44 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2001 BMW Z3 should accelerate faster than 1958 Austin-Healey Sprite. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 BMW Z3 weights approximately 691 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.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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, 2001 BMW Z3 (237 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 166 more torque (in Nm) than 1958 Austin-Healey Sprite. (71 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2001 BMW Z3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1958 Austin-Healey Sprite. 2001 BMW Z3 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. 2001 BMW Z3 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1958 Austin-Healey Sprite | 2001 BMW Z3 | |
| Make | Austin-Healey | BMW |
| Model | Sprite | Z3 |
| Year Released | 1958 | 2001 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 948 cc | 2488 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 44 HP | 185 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 71 Nm | 237 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.3:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Top Speed | 124 km/hour | 206 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 664 kg | 1355 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3500 mm | 4060 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1350 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1270 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2040 mm | 2450 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 27 L | 51 L |
