1964 Austin-Healey Sprite vs. 1978 Opel Rekord
To start off, 1978 Opel Rekord is newer by 14 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 1,978 cc (4 cylinders), 1978 Opel Rekord is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Opel Rekord (100 HP) has 41 more horse power than 1964 Austin-Healey Sprite. (59 HP) In normal driving conditions, 1978 Opel Rekord should accelerate faster than 1964 Austin-Healey Sprite. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Opel Rekord weights approximately 406 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, 1978 Opel Rekord (148 Nm @ 3800 RPM) has 64 more torque (in Nm) than 1964 Austin-Healey Sprite. (84 Nm @ 3250 RPM). This means 1978 Opel Rekord 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 | 1978 Opel Rekord | |
| Make | Austin-Healey | Opel |
| Model | Sprite | Rekord |
| Year Released | 1964 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1098 cc | 1978 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 100 HP |
| Torque | 84 Nm | 148 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3250 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 64.6 mm | 95 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 83.7 mm | 69.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 714 kg | 1120 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3470 mm | 4600 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1350 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1270 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2040 mm | 2670 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 27 L | 65 L |
