1967 Austin-Healey Sprite vs. 2009 BMW M3
To start off, 2009 BMW M3 is newer by 42 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 3,999 cc (8 cylinders), 2009 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 BMW M3 (414 HP @ 8300 RPM) has 350 more horse power than 1967 Austin-Healey Sprite. (64 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 1967 Austin-Healey Sprite. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 BMW M3 weights approximately 671 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.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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, 2009 BMW M3 (401 Nm @ 3900 RPM) has 303 more torque (in Nm) than 1967 Austin-Healey Sprite. (98 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2009 BMW M3 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 | 2009 BMW M3 | |
| Make | Austin-Healey | BMW |
| Model | Sprite | M3 |
| Year Released | 1967 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1275 cc | 3999 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 64 HP | 414 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 8300 RPM |
| Torque | 98 Nm | 401 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3900 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 70.6 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 81.3 mm | 75.2 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 714 kg | 1385 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3490 mm | 4620 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1350 mm | 1420 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1230 mm | 1810 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2040 mm | 2770 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 27 L | 63 L |
