1973 Alfa Romeo Alfasud vs. 1958 Austin-Healey Sprite
To start off, 1973 Alfa Romeo Alfasud is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1958 Austin-Healey Sprite. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1958 Austin-Healey Sprite would be higher. At 1,186 cc (4 cylinders), 1973 Alfa Romeo Alfasud is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1973 Alfa Romeo Alfasud (61 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 17 more horse power than 1958 Austin-Healey Sprite. (44 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1973 Alfa Romeo Alfasud should accelerate faster than 1958 Austin-Healey Sprite. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1973 Alfa Romeo Alfasud weights approximately 206 kg more than 1958 Austin-Healey Sprite. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1958 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 1958 Austin-Healey Sprite. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1973 Alfa Romeo Alfasud, 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, 1973 Alfa Romeo Alfasud (89 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 18 more torque (in Nm) than 1958 Austin-Healey Sprite. (71 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1973 Alfa Romeo Alfasud will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1958 Austin-Healey Sprite.
Compare all specifications:
| 1973 Alfa Romeo Alfasud | 1958 Austin-Healey Sprite | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Austin-Healey |
| Model | Alfasud | Sprite |
| Year Released | 1973 | 1958 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1186 cc | 948 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | boxer | in-line |
| Horse Power | 61 HP | 44 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 89 Nm | 71 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 870 kg | 664 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3900 mm | 3500 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1590 mm | 1350 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1270 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2040 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 27 L |
