1967 Austin-Healey Sprite vs. 1984 Volkswagen Jetta
To start off, 1984 Volkswagen Jetta is newer by 17 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 1,588 cc (4 cylinders), 1984 Volkswagen Jetta is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1967 Austin-Healey Sprite (64 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 11 more horse power than 1984 Volkswagen Jetta. (53 HP @ 4800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1967 Austin-Healey Sprite should accelerate faster than 1984 Volkswagen Jetta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1984 Volkswagen Jetta weights approximately 226 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, 1984 Volkswagen Jetta, 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, 1984 Volkswagen Jetta (102 Nm @ 2300 RPM) has 4 more torque (in Nm) than 1967 Austin-Healey Sprite. (98 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1984 Volkswagen Jetta 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 | 1984 Volkswagen Jetta | |
| Make | Austin-Healey | Volkswagen |
| Model | Sprite | Jetta |
| Year Released | 1967 | 1984 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1275 cc | 1588 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 64 HP | 53 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 98 Nm | 102 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2300 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 70.6 mm | 76.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 81.3 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.8:1 | 23.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| 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 | 940 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3490 mm | 4320 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1350 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1230 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2040 mm | 2480 mm |
