1958 Austin-Healey Sprite vs. 2005 Chrysler PT Cruiser
To start off, 2005 Chrysler PT Cruiser is newer by 47 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 2,213 cc (4 cylinders), 2005 Chrysler PT Cruiser is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Chrysler PT Cruiser (119 HP @ 4200 RPM) has 75 more horse power than 1958 Austin-Healey Sprite. (44 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Chrysler PT Cruiser should accelerate faster than 1958 Austin-Healey Sprite. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Chrysler PT Cruiser weights approximately 965 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, 2005 Chrysler PT Cruiser, 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, 2005 Chrysler PT Cruiser (300 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 229 more torque (in Nm) than 1958 Austin-Healey Sprite. (71 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2005 Chrysler PT Cruiser 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 | 2005 Chrysler PT Cruiser | |
| Make | Austin-Healey | Chrysler |
| Model | Sprite | PT Cruiser |
| Year Released | 1958 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 948 cc | 2213 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 44 HP | 119 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 71 Nm | 300 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.3:1 | 18.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 124 km/hour | 183 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 664 kg | 1629 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3500 mm | 4290 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1350 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1270 mm | 1610 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2040 mm | 2620 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 27 L | 57 L |
