1964 Austin-Healey Sprite vs. 1999 Ford Contour
To start off, 1999 Ford Contour is newer by 35 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 1,989 cc (4 cylinders), 1999 Ford Contour is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 Ford Contour (128 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 69 more horse power than 1964 Austin-Healey Sprite. (59 HP @ 5750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1999 Ford Contour should accelerate faster than 1964 Austin-Healey Sprite. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 Ford Contour weights approximately 528 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, 1999 Ford Contour, 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, 1999 Ford Contour (175 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 91 more torque (in Nm) than 1964 Austin-Healey Sprite. (84 Nm @ 3250 RPM). This means 1999 Ford Contour 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 | 1999 Ford Contour | |
Make | Austin-Healey | Ford |
Model | Sprite | Contour |
Year Released | 1964 | 1999 |
Body Type | Roadster | Sedan |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1098 cc | 1989 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 59 HP | 128 HP |
Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 5500 RPM |
Torque | 84 Nm | 175 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3250 RPM | 4000 RPM |
Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 714 kg | 1242 kg |
Vehicle Length | 3470 mm | 4680 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1350 mm | 1760 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1270 mm | 1380 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2040 mm | 2710 mm |