1967 Austin-Healey Sprite vs. 2012 Fiat 500
To start off, 2012 Fiat 500 is newer by 45 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 1,275 cc (4 cylinders), 1967 Austin-Healey Sprite is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Fiat 500 (74 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 10 more horse power than 1967 Austin-Healey Sprite. (64 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Fiat 500 should accelerate faster than 1967 Austin-Healey Sprite. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Fiat 500 weights approximately 341 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, 2012 Fiat 500, 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, 2012 Fiat 500 (145 Nm @ 1500 RPM) has 47 more torque (in Nm) than 1967 Austin-Healey Sprite. (98 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2012 Fiat 500 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 | 2012 Fiat 500 | |
| Make | Austin-Healey | Fiat |
| Model | Sprite | 500 |
| Year Released | 1967 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1275 cc | 1248 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 64 HP | 74 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 98 Nm | 145 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 1500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 70.6 mm | 69.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 81.3 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.8:1 | 17.6:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| 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 | 1055 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3490 mm | 3550 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1350 mm | 1630 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1230 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2040 mm | 2310 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 27 L | 35 L |
