1967 Austin-Healey Sprite vs. 2005 Opel Astra
To start off, 2005 Opel Astra is newer by 38 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 1,598 cc (4 cylinders), 2005 Opel Astra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Opel Astra (96 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 32 more horse power than 1967 Austin-Healey Sprite. (64 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Opel Astra should accelerate faster than 1967 Austin-Healey Sprite. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Opel Astra weights approximately 666 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, 2005 Opel Astra, 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, 2005 Opel Astra (140 Nm @ 3800 RPM) has 42 more torque (in Nm) than 1967 Austin-Healey Sprite. (98 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2005 Opel Astra 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 | 2005 Opel Astra | |
| Make | Austin-Healey | Opel |
| Model | Sprite | Astra |
| Year Released | 1967 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1275 cc | 1598 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 64 HP | 96 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 98 Nm | 140 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 70.6 mm | 79.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 81.3 mm | 81.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.8:1 | 12.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 714 kg | 1380 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3490 mm | 4290 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1350 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1230 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2040 mm | 2700 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 27 L | 52 L |
