1964 Austin-Healey Sprite vs. 1979 Triumph Spitfire
To start off, 1979 Triumph Spitfire is newer by 15 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 1,493 cc (4 cylinders), 1979 Triumph Spitfire is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1979 Triumph Spitfire (71 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 12 more horse power than 1964 Austin-Healey Sprite. (59 HP @ 5750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1979 Triumph Spitfire should accelerate faster than 1964 Austin-Healey Sprite. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Triumph Spitfire weights approximately 101 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, 1979 Triumph Spitfire (111 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 27 more torque (in Nm) than 1964 Austin-Healey Sprite. (84 Nm @ 3250 RPM). This means 1979 Triumph Spitfire 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 | 1979 Triumph Spitfire | |
| Make | Austin-Healey | Triumph |
| Model | Sprite | Spitfire |
| Year Released | 1964 | 1979 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1098 cc | 1493 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 71 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 84 Nm | 111 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3250 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 64.6 mm | 73.7 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 83.7 mm | 87.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 714 kg | 815 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3470 mm | 3740 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1350 mm | 1450 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1270 mm | 1210 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2040 mm | 2110 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 27 L | 33 L |
