1967 Austin-Healey Sprite vs. 1968 Ford Escort
To start off, 1968 Ford Escort is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1967 Austin-Healey Sprite. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1967 Austin-Healey Sprite would be higher. At 1,275 cc (4 cylinders), 1967 Austin-Healey Sprite is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1967 Austin-Healey Sprite (64 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 10 more horse power than 1968 Ford Escort. (54 HP @ 5700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1967 Austin-Healey Sprite should accelerate faster than 1968 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1968 Ford Escort weights approximately 96 kg more than 1967 Austin-Healey Sprite.
Because 1967 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 1967 Austin-Healey Sprite. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1968 Ford Escort, 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, 1967 Austin-Healey Sprite (98 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 16 more torque (in Nm) than 1968 Ford Escort. (82 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1967 Austin-Healey Sprite will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1968 Ford Escort.
Compare all specifications:
| 1967 Austin-Healey Sprite | 1968 Ford Escort | |
| Make | Austin-Healey | Ford |
| Model | Sprite | Escort |
| Year Released | 1967 | 1968 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1275 cc | 1117 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 64 HP | 54 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 98 Nm | 82 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 70.6 mm | 74 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 81.3 mm | 65 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.8:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 714 kg | 810 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3490 mm | 3980 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1350 mm | 1650 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1230 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2040 mm | 2400 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 27 L | 40 L |
