1964 Austin-Healey Sprite vs. 1988 Ford Sierra
To start off, 1988 Ford Sierra is newer by 24 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 1,597 cc (4 cylinders), 1988 Ford Sierra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 Ford Sierra (74 HP @ 5300 RPM) has 15 more horse power than 1964 Austin-Healey Sprite. (59 HP @ 5750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1988 Ford Sierra should accelerate faster than 1964 Austin-Healey Sprite. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Ford Sierra weights approximately 296 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, 1988 Ford Sierra (122 Nm @ 2900 RPM) has 38 more torque (in Nm) than 1964 Austin-Healey Sprite. (84 Nm @ 3250 RPM). This means 1988 Ford Sierra 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 | 1988 Ford Sierra | |
| Make | Austin-Healey | Ford |
| Model | Sprite | Sierra |
| Year Released | 1964 | 1988 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1098 cc | 1597 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 74 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 5300 RPM |
| Torque | 84 Nm | 122 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3250 RPM | 2900 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 714 kg | 1010 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3470 mm | 4500 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1350 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1270 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2040 mm | 2620 mm |
