1967 Austin-Healey Sprite vs. 2006 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2006 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 39 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 1,968 cc (4 cylinders), 2006 Volkswagen Passat is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Volkswagen Passat (139 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 75 more horse power than 1967 Austin-Healey Sprite. (64 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Volkswagen Passat should accelerate faster than 1967 Austin-Healey Sprite. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 640 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, 2006 Volkswagen Passat, 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, 2006 Volkswagen Passat (320 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 222 more torque (in Nm) than 1967 Austin-Healey Sprite. (98 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2006 Volkswagen Passat 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 | 2006 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Austin-Healey | Volkswagen |
| Model | Sprite | Passat |
| Year Released | 1967 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1275 cc | 1968 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 64 HP | 139 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 98 Nm | 320 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 70.6 mm | 79.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 81.3 mm | 95.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.8:1 | 18.5:1 |
| 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 | 1354 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3490 mm | 4210 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1230 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2040 mm | 2720 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 27 L | 70 L |
