1958 Austin-Healey Sprite vs. 2009 Kia Sportage
To start off, 2009 Kia Sportage is newer by 51 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 1,974 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Kia Sportage is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Kia Sportage (139 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 95 more horse power than 1958 Austin-Healey Sprite. (44 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Kia Sportage should accelerate faster than 1958 Austin-Healey Sprite. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Kia Sportage weights approximately 621 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, 2009 Kia Sportage, 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, 2009 Kia Sportage (188 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 117 more torque (in Nm) than 1958 Austin-Healey Sprite. (71 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2009 Kia Sportage will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1958 Austin-Healey Sprite. 2009 Kia Sportage has automatic transmission and 1958 Austin-Healey Sprite has manual transmission. 1958 Austin-Healey Sprite will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 Kia Sportage will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1958 Austin-Healey Sprite | 2009 Kia Sportage | |
| Make | Austin-Healey | Kia |
| Model | Sprite | Sportage |
| Year Released | 1958 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Roadster | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 948 cc | 1974 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 44 HP | 139 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 71 Nm | 188 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.3:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 664 kg | 1285 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3500 mm | 4360 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1350 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1270 mm | 1700 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2040 mm | 2640 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 27 L | 58 L |
