1967 Austin-Healey Sprite vs. 1979 Opel Ascona
To start off, 1979 Opel Ascona is newer by 12 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 2,408 cc (4 cylinders), 1979 Opel Ascona is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1979 Opel Ascona (142 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 78 more horse power than 1967 Austin-Healey Sprite. (64 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1979 Opel Ascona should accelerate faster than 1967 Austin-Healey Sprite. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Opel Ascona weights approximately 368 kg more than 1967 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, 1979 Opel Ascona (210 Nm @ 3800 RPM) has 112 more torque (in Nm) than 1967 Austin-Healey Sprite. (98 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1979 Opel Ascona will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1967 Austin-Healey Sprite.
Compare all specifications:
| 1967 Austin-Healey Sprite | 1979 Opel Ascona | |
| Make | Austin-Healey | Opel |
| Model | Sprite | Ascona |
| Year Released | 1967 | 1979 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1275 cc | 2408 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 64 HP | 142 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 98 Nm | 210 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 70.6 mm | 95 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 81.3 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.8:1 | 9.7:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 714 kg | 1082 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3490 mm | 4330 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1350 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1230 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2040 mm | 2520 mm |
