1964 Austin-Healey Sprite vs. 1997 BMW M3
To start off, 1997 BMW M3 is newer by 33 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 3,201 cc (6 cylinders), 1997 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 BMW M3 (240 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 181 more horse power than 1964 Austin-Healey Sprite. (59 HP @ 5750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 1964 Austin-Healey Sprite. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 BMW M3 weights approximately 586 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, 1997 BMW M3 (236 Nm) has 152 more torque (in Nm) than 1964 Austin-Healey Sprite. (84 Nm). This means 1997 BMW M3 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 | 1997 BMW M3 | |
| Make | Austin-Healey | BMW |
| Model | Sprite | M3 |
| Year Released | 1964 | 1997 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1098 cc | 3201 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 240 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 84 Nm | 236 Nm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 10.2:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 714 kg | 1300 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3470 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1350 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1270 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2040 mm | 2710 mm |
