1958 Austin-Healey Sprite vs. 2008 Skoda Roomster
To start off, 2008 Skoda Roomster is newer by 50 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 1,896 cc (4 cylinders), 2008 Skoda Roomster is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Skoda Roomster (104 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 60 more horse power than 1958 Austin-Healey Sprite. (44 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Skoda Roomster should accelerate faster than 1958 Austin-Healey Sprite. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Skoda Roomster weights approximately 602 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, 2008 Skoda Roomster, 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, 2008 Skoda Roomster (240 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 169 more torque (in Nm) than 1958 Austin-Healey Sprite. (71 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2008 Skoda Roomster 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 | 2008 Skoda Roomster | |
| Make | Austin-Healey | Skoda |
| Model | Sprite | Roomster |
| Year Released | 1958 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Minivan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 948 cc | 1896 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 | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.3:1 | 19.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 124 km/hour | 182 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 | 1266 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3500 mm | 4210 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1350 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1270 mm | 1610 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2040 mm | 2620 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 27 L | 55 L |
