1967 Austin-Healey Sprite vs. 1987 Volvo 480
To start off, 1987 Volvo 480 is newer by 20 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 1,719 cc (4 cylinders), 1987 Volvo 480 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1987 Volvo 480 (109 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 45 more horse power than 1967 Austin-Healey Sprite. (64 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1987 Volvo 480 should accelerate faster than 1967 Austin-Healey Sprite. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1987 Volvo 480 weights approximately 306 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.
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, 1987 Volvo 480, 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, 1987 Volvo 480 (140 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 42 more torque (in Nm) than 1967 Austin-Healey Sprite. (98 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1987 Volvo 480 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 | 1987 Volvo 480 | |
| Make | Austin-Healey | Volvo |
| Model | Sprite | 480 |
| Year Released | 1967 | 1987 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1275 cc | 1719 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 64 HP | 109 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 98 Nm | 140 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 70.6 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 81.3 mm | 83.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.8:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 714 kg | 1020 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3490 mm | 4260 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1350 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1230 mm | 1320 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2040 mm | 2510 mm |
