1958 Austin-Healey Sprite vs. 2006 BMW M3
To start off, 2006 BMW M3 is newer by 48 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 3,244 cc (6 cylinders), 2006 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 BMW M3 (338 HP @ 7900 RPM) has 294 more horse power than 1958 Austin-Healey Sprite. (44 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 1958 Austin-Healey Sprite. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 BMW M3 weights approximately 991 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, 2006 BMW M3 (365 Nm @ 4900 RPM) has 294 more torque (in Nm) than 1958 Austin-Healey Sprite. (71 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2006 BMW M3 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 | 2006 BMW M3 | |
| Make | Austin-Healey | BMW |
| Model | Sprite | M3 |
| Year Released | 1958 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 948 cc | 3244 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 44 HP | 338 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 7900 RPM |
| Torque | 71 Nm | 365 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4900 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.3:1 | 12.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 124 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| 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 | 1655 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3500 mm | 4500 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1350 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1270 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2040 mm | 2740 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 27 L | 63 L |
