1967 Austin-Healey Sprite vs. 1989 Saab 9000
To start off, 1989 Saab 9000 is newer by 22 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 1,984 cc (4 cylinders), 1989 Saab 9000 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Saab 9000 (135 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 71 more horse power than 1967 Austin-Healey Sprite. (64 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1989 Saab 9000 should accelerate faster than 1967 Austin-Healey Sprite. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 Saab 9000 weights approximately 591 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, 1989 Saab 9000, 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, 1989 Saab 9000 (172 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 74 more torque (in Nm) than 1967 Austin-Healey Sprite. (98 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1989 Saab 9000 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 | 1989 Saab 9000 | |
| Make | Austin-Healey | Saab |
| Model | Sprite | 9000 |
| Year Released | 1967 | 1989 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1275 cc | 1984 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 64 HP | 135 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 98 Nm | 172 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 70.6 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 81.3 mm | 78 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.8:1 | 10.1:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 714 kg | 1305 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3490 mm | 4630 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1350 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1230 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2040 mm | 2720 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 27 L | 54 L |
