1964 AC Cobra vs. 1958 Austin-Healey Sprite
To start off, 1964 AC Cobra is newer by 6 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 4,737 cc (8 cylinders), 1964 AC Cobra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1964 AC Cobra (267 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 223 more horse power than 1958 Austin-Healey Sprite. (44 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1964 AC Cobra should accelerate faster than 1958 Austin-Healey Sprite. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1964 AC Cobra weights approximately 346 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, 1964 AC Cobra (426 Nm @ 3400 RPM) has 355 more torque (in Nm) than 1958 Austin-Healey Sprite. (71 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1964 AC Cobra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1958 Austin-Healey Sprite.
Compare all specifications:
| 1964 AC Cobra | 1958 Austin-Healey Sprite | |
| Make | AC | Austin-Healey |
| Model | Cobra | Sprite |
| Year Released | 1964 | 1958 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Roadster |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4737 cc | 948 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 267 HP | 44 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 426 Nm | 71 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 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 | 1010 kg | 664 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3850 mm | 3500 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1560 mm | 1350 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1250 mm | 1270 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2290 mm | 2040 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 68 L | 27 L |
