1964 Austin-Healey Sprite vs. 2004 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2004 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 40 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 1,896 cc (4 cylinders), 2004 Volkswagen Golf is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Volkswagen Golf (113 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 54 more horse power than 1964 Austin-Healey Sprite. (59 HP @ 5750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 1964 Austin-Healey Sprite. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 570 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, 2004 Volkswagen Golf, 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, 2004 Volkswagen Golf (171 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 87 more torque (in Nm) than 1964 Austin-Healey Sprite. (84 Nm @ 3250 RPM). This means 2004 Volkswagen Golf 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 | 2004 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Austin-Healey | Volkswagen |
| Model | Sprite | Golf |
| Year Released | 1964 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1098 cc | 1896 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 113 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 84 Nm | 171 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3250 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 64.6 mm | 82.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 83.7 mm | 92.8 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 714 kg | 1284 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3470 mm | 4400 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1350 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1270 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2040 mm | 2520 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 27 L | 55 L |
