1964 Austin-Healey Sprite vs. 1974 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight
To start off, 1974 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1964 Austin-Healey Sprite. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1964 Austin-Healey Sprite would be higher. At 5,736 cc (8 cylinders), 1974 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1974 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight (160 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 101 more horse power than 1964 Austin-Healey Sprite. (59 HP @ 5750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1974 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight should accelerate faster than 1964 Austin-Healey Sprite. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight weights approximately 1221 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, 1974 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight (380 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 296 more torque (in Nm) than 1964 Austin-Healey Sprite. (84 Nm @ 3250 RPM). This means 1974 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1964 Austin-Healey Sprite. 1974 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight has automatic transmission and 1964 Austin-Healey Sprite has manual transmission. 1964 Austin-Healey Sprite will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1974 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1964 Austin-Healey Sprite | 1974 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight | |
| Make | Austin-Healey | Oldsmobile |
| Model | Sprite | Ninety-Eight |
| Year Released | 1964 | 1974 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1098 cc | 5736 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 160 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 84 Nm | 380 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3250 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 64.6 mm | 103.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 83.7 mm | 85.9 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 714 kg | 1935 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3470 mm | 5900 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2040 mm | 3230 mm |
