1958 Austin-Healey Sprite vs. 2004 Kia Rio
To start off, 2004 Kia Rio is newer by 46 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 1,590 cc (4 cylinders), 2004 Kia Rio is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Kia Rio (104 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 60 more horse power than 1958 Austin-Healey Sprite. (44 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Kia Rio should accelerate faster than 1958 Austin-Healey Sprite. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Kia Rio weights approximately 426 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, 2004 Kia Rio, 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, 2004 Kia Rio (141 Nm) has 70 more torque (in Nm) than 1958 Austin-Healey Sprite. (71 Nm). This means 2004 Kia Rio 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 | 2004 Kia Rio | |
| Make | Austin-Healey | Kia |
| Model | Sprite | Rio |
| Year Released | 1958 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 948 cc | 1590 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 44 HP | 104 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 71 Nm | 141 Nm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.3:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 664 kg | 1090 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3500 mm | 4250 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1350 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1270 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2040 mm | 2390 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 27 L | 45 L |
