1964 Austin-Healey Sprite vs. 1989 Lotus Esprit
To start off, 1989 Lotus Esprit is newer by 25 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 2,172 cc (4 cylinders), 1989 Lotus Esprit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Lotus Esprit (264 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 205 more horse power than 1964 Austin-Healey Sprite. (59 HP @ 5750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1989 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 1964 Austin-Healey Sprite. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 Lotus Esprit weights approximately 615 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, 1989 Lotus Esprit (353 Nm @ 3900 RPM) has 269 more torque (in Nm) than 1964 Austin-Healey Sprite. (84 Nm @ 3250 RPM). This means 1989 Lotus Esprit 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 | 1989 Lotus Esprit | |
Make | Austin-Healey | Lotus |
Model | Sprite | Esprit |
Year Released | 1964 | 1989 |
Body Type | Roadster | Coupe |
Engine Position | Front | Middle |
Engine Size | 1098 cc | 2172 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 59 HP | 264 HP |
Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 6500 RPM |
Torque | 84 Nm | 353 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3250 RPM | 3900 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 64.6 mm | 95.3 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 83.7 mm | 76.2 mm |
Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 8.0:1 |
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 | 1329 kg |
Vehicle Length | 3470 mm | 4340 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1350 mm | 1870 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1270 mm | 1160 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2040 mm | 2460 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 27 L | 31 L |