1964 Austin-Healey Sprite vs. 1986 Ford Escort
To start off, 1986 Ford Escort is newer by 22 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 1,115 cc (4 cylinders), 1986 Ford Escort is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1964 Austin-Healey Sprite (59 HP @ 5750 RPM) has 11 more horse power than 1986 Ford Escort. (48 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1964 Austin-Healey Sprite should accelerate faster than 1986 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1986 Ford Escort weights approximately 156 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, 1986 Ford Escort, 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, 1964 Austin-Healey Sprite (84 Nm @ 3250 RPM) has 1 more torque (in Nm) than 1986 Ford Escort. (83 Nm @ 2700 RPM). This means 1964 Austin-Healey Sprite will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1986 Ford Escort.
Compare all specifications:
| 1964 Austin-Healey Sprite | 1986 Ford Escort | |
| Make | Austin-Healey | Ford |
| Model | Sprite | Escort |
| Year Released | 1964 | 1986 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1098 cc | 1115 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 48 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 84 Nm | 83 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3250 RPM | 2700 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 64.6 mm | 74 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 83.7 mm | 65 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 714 kg | 870 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3470 mm | 4090 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1350 mm | 1650 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1270 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2040 mm | 2410 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 27 L | 48 L |
