1964 Austin-Healey Sprite vs. 1955 Oldsmobile 88
To start off, 1964 Austin-Healey Sprite is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1955 Oldsmobile 88. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1955 Oldsmobile 88 would be higher. At 5,318 cc (8 cylinders), 1955 Oldsmobile 88 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1955 Oldsmobile 88 (200 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 141 more horse power than 1964 Austin-Healey Sprite. (59 HP @ 5750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1955 Oldsmobile 88 should accelerate faster than 1964 Austin-Healey Sprite. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1955 Oldsmobile 88 weights approximately 986 kg more than 1964 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, 1955 Oldsmobile 88 (450 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 366 more torque (in Nm) than 1964 Austin-Healey Sprite. (84 Nm @ 3250 RPM). This means 1955 Oldsmobile 88 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1964 Austin-Healey Sprite.
Compare all specifications:
| 1964 Austin-Healey Sprite | 1955 Oldsmobile 88 | |
| Make | Austin-Healey | Oldsmobile |
| Model | Sprite | 88 |
| Year Released | 1964 | 1955 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1098 cc | 5318 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 200 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 84 Nm | 450 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3250 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 64.6 mm | 98.4 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 83.7 mm | 87.3 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 714 kg | 1700 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3470 mm | 5180 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1350 mm | 1990 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1270 mm | 1590 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2040 mm | 3110 mm |
