1964 Austin-Healey Sprite vs. 1976 Renault 12
To start off, 1976 Renault 12 is newer by 12 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 1,289 cc (4 cylinders), 1976 Renault 12 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1964 Austin-Healey Sprite (59 HP @ 5750 RPM) has 6 more horse power than 1976 Renault 12. (53 HP @ 5250 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1964 Austin-Healey Sprite should accelerate faster than 1976 Renault 12. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1976 Renault 12 weights approximately 236 kg more than 1964 Austin-Healey Sprite.
Because 1964 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 1964 Austin-Healey Sprite. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1976 Renault 12, 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, 1976 Renault 12 (96 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 12 more torque (in Nm) than 1964 Austin-Healey Sprite. (84 Nm @ 3250 RPM). This means 1976 Renault 12 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 | 1976 Renault 12 | |
| Make | Austin-Healey | Renault |
| Model | Sprite | 12 |
| Year Released | 1964 | 1976 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1098 cc | 1289 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 53 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Torque | 84 Nm | 96 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3250 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 714 kg | 950 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3470 mm | 4410 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1350 mm | 1640 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1270 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2040 mm | 2450 mm |
