1964 Austin-Healey Sprite vs. 1983 Volkswagen Rabbit
To start off, 1983 Volkswagen Rabbit is newer by 19 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 1,713 cc (4 cylinders), 1983 Volkswagen Rabbit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1983 Volkswagen Rabbit (64 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 5 more horse power than 1964 Austin-Healey Sprite. (59 HP @ 5750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1983 Volkswagen Rabbit should accelerate faster than 1964 Austin-Healey Sprite. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1983 Volkswagen Rabbit weights approximately 131 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.
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, 1983 Volkswagen Rabbit, 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, 1983 Volkswagen Rabbit (116 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 32 more torque (in Nm) than 1964 Austin-Healey Sprite. (84 Nm @ 3250 RPM). This means 1983 Volkswagen Rabbit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1964 Austin-Healey Sprite. 1983 Volkswagen Rabbit 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. 1983 Volkswagen Rabbit will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
1964 Austin-Healey Sprite | 1983 Volkswagen Rabbit | |
Make | Austin-Healey | Volkswagen |
Model | Sprite | Rabbit |
Year Released | 1964 | 1983 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1098 cc | 1713 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 59 HP | 64 HP |
Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 5000 RPM |
Torque | 84 Nm | 116 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3250 RPM | 3000 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
Vehicle Weight | 714 kg | 845 kg |
Vehicle Length | 3470 mm | 3950 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1350 mm | 1620 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1270 mm | 1420 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2040 mm | 2410 mm |