1961 Abarth 1600 vs. 1958 Austin-Healey Sprite
To start off, 1961 Abarth 1600 is newer by 3 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 1,586 cc (4 cylinders), 1961 Abarth 1600 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1961 Abarth 1600 (89 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 45 more horse power than 1958 Austin-Healey Sprite. (44 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1961 Abarth 1600 should accelerate faster than 1958 Austin-Healey Sprite. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1961 Abarth 1600 weights approximately 296 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, 1961 Abarth 1600 (138 Nm @ 4600 RPM) has 67 more torque (in Nm) than 1958 Austin-Healey Sprite. (71 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1961 Abarth 1600 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1958 Austin-Healey Sprite.
Compare all specifications:
| 1961 Abarth 1600 | 1958 Austin-Healey Sprite | |
| Make | Abarth | Austin-Healey |
| Model | 1600 | Sprite |
| Year Released | 1961 | 1958 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1586 cc | 948 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 89 HP | 44 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 138 Nm | 71 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4600 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 8.3:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 960 kg | 664 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4040 mm | 3500 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1590 mm | 1350 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1280 mm | 1270 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2350 mm | 2040 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 27 L | 27 L |
