United Kingdom vs UK — 1967 vs 1959
| Sprite MkIV Roadster | Sprite Mk I Frogeye | |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 65 hp | 43 hp |
| Torque | 70 lb-ft | 52 lb-ft |
| Engine Size | 1,275 cc | 948 cc |
| 0-60 mph | 14.2 sec | 20.5 sec |
| Top Speed | 95 mph | 85 mph |
| ¼ Mile | 19.5 sec | — |
| Weight | 1,627 lbs | 1,400 lbs |
| Wheelbase | 2,032 mm | 2,032 mm |
| Length | 3,530 mm | 3,480 mm |
| Units Produced | 22,793 | 48,987 |
| Original MSRP | $2,195 | $1,795 |
| Value (Excellent) | $22,000 | $35,000 |
| Collectibility | 6/10 | 7/10 |
| Rarity | 6/10 | 5/10 |
On balance, the 1967 Austin-Healey Sprite MkIV Roadster makes a stronger case on paper with more power, quicker acceleration, higher top speed. However, the 1959 Austin-Healey Sprite Mk I Frogeye counters with lighter weight, stronger collectibility, and its appeal extends beyond mere numbers. Choose the 1967 Austin-Healey Sprite MkIV Roadster for outright capability, or the 1959 Austin-Healey Sprite Mk I Frogeye for a more distinctive ownership experience.
Few model names carry as much weight as the Austin-Healey Sprite MkIV. The 1967 and 1959 iterations represent different chapters in this storied nameplate's history, each reflecting the priorities and technologies of its era. The 1967 Austin-Healey Sprite MkIV Roadster holds a clear advantage in raw power with 65 hp compared to 43 hp, a 22-horsepower difference that shapes the driving experience. In the sprint to 60 mph, the 1967 Austin-Healey Sprite MkIV Roadster edges ahead at 14.2 seconds versus 20.5 seconds. The Austin-Healey Sprite carries a weight advantage, tipping the scales 227 lbs lighter. Each of these machines offers a unique window into the era that produced it, making both worthy of consideration by collectors and drivers alike.