1958 Austin-Healey Sprite vs. 2003 BMW 320
To start off, 2003 BMW 320 is newer by 45 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 1,995 cc (4 cylinders), 2003 BMW 320 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 BMW 320 (148 HP @ 5900 RPM) has 104 more horse power than 1958 Austin-Healey Sprite. (44 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 BMW 320 should accelerate faster than 1958 Austin-Healey Sprite. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 BMW 320 weights approximately 801 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, 2003 BMW 320 (210 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 139 more torque (in Nm) than 1958 Austin-Healey Sprite. (71 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2003 BMW 320 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 | 2003 BMW 320 | |
| Make | Austin-Healey | BMW |
| Model | Sprite | 320 |
| Year Released | 1958 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 948 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 44 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5900 RPM |
| Torque | 71 Nm | 210 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.3:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 664 kg | 1465 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3500 mm | 4490 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1350 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1270 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2040 mm | 2730 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 27 L | 63 L |
