1958 Austin-Healey Sprite vs. 2002 Lexus SC
To start off, 2002 Lexus SC is newer by 44 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 4,291 cc (8 cylinders), 2002 Lexus SC is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Lexus SC (278 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 234 more horse power than 1958 Austin-Healey Sprite. (44 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2002 Lexus SC should accelerate faster than 1958 Austin-Healey Sprite. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Lexus SC weights approximately 1076 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, 2002 Lexus SC (447 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 376 more torque (in Nm) than 1958 Austin-Healey Sprite. (71 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2002 Lexus SC will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1958 Austin-Healey Sprite. 2002 Lexus SC 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. 2002 Lexus SC will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1958 Austin-Healey Sprite | 2002 Lexus SC | |
| Make | Austin-Healey | Lexus |
| Model | Sprite | SC |
| Year Released | 1958 | 2002 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 948 cc | 4291 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 44 HP | 278 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 71 Nm | 447 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.3:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 664 kg | 1740 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3500 mm | 4520 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1350 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1270 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2040 mm | 2630 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 27 L | 66 L |
