1964 Austin-Healey Sprite vs. 1996 Ford Taurus
To start off, 1996 Ford Taurus is newer by 32 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 3,392 cc (8 cylinders), 1996 Ford Taurus is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Ford Taurus (235 HP @ 6100 RPM) has 176 more horse power than 1964 Austin-Healey Sprite. (59 HP @ 5750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Ford Taurus should accelerate faster than 1964 Austin-Healey Sprite. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Ford Taurus weights approximately 878 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, 1996 Ford Taurus, 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, 1996 Ford Taurus (312 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 228 more torque (in Nm) than 1964 Austin-Healey Sprite. (84 Nm @ 3250 RPM). This means 1996 Ford Taurus will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1964 Austin-Healey Sprite. 1996 Ford Taurus 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. 1996 Ford Taurus will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1964 Austin-Healey Sprite | 1996 Ford Taurus | |
| Make | Austin-Healey | Ford |
| Model | Sprite | Taurus |
| Year Released | 1964 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1098 cc | 3392 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 235 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 6100 RPM |
| Torque | 84 Nm | 312 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3250 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 64.6 mm | 82.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 83.7 mm | 79.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 714 kg | 1592 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3470 mm | 5040 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1350 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1270 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2040 mm | 2760 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 27 L | 61 L |
