1964 Austin-Healey Sprite vs. 1988 Ford Thunderbird
To start off, 1988 Ford Thunderbird 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 3,791 cc (6 cylinders), 1988 Ford Thunderbird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 Ford Thunderbird (138 HP @ 3800 RPM) has 79 more horse power than 1964 Austin-Healey Sprite. (59 HP @ 5750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1988 Ford Thunderbird should accelerate faster than 1964 Austin-Healey Sprite. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Ford Thunderbird weights approximately 896 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 Thunderbird (291 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 207 more torque (in Nm) than 1964 Austin-Healey Sprite. (84 Nm @ 3250 RPM). This means 1988 Ford Thunderbird 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 Thunderbird | |
| Make | Austin-Healey | Ford |
| Model | Sprite | Thunderbird |
| Year Released | 1964 | 1988 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1098 cc | 3791 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Torque | 84 Nm | 291 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3250 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 64.6 mm | 96.8 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 83.7 mm | 86 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 714 kg | 1610 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3470 mm | 5050 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1350 mm | 1850 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1270 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2040 mm | 2880 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 27 L | 45 L |
