1958 Austin-Healey Sprite vs. 2006 Dodge Viper
To start off, 2006 Dodge Viper 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 8,274 cc (10 cylinders), 2006 Dodge Viper is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Dodge Viper (510 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 466 more horse power than 1958 Austin-Healey Sprite. (44 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Dodge Viper should accelerate faster than 1958 Austin-Healey Sprite. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Dodge Viper weights approximately 859 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 Dodge Viper (725 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 654 more torque (in Nm) than 1958 Austin-Healey Sprite. (71 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2006 Dodge Viper 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 Dodge Viper | |
| Make | Austin-Healey | Dodge |
| Model | Sprite | Viper |
| Year Released | 1958 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Roadster |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 948 cc | 8274 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 10 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 44 HP | 510 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 71 Nm | 725 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.3:1 | 9.6:1 |
| Top Speed | 124 km/hour | 306 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 664 kg | 1523 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3500 mm | 4470 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1350 mm | 1920 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1270 mm | 1220 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2040 mm | 2520 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 27 L | 70 L |
