United Kingdom vs United Kingdom — 1967 vs 1971
| Sprite MkIV Roadster | Elan Sprint Fixed Head Coupe | |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 65 hp | 126 hp |
| Torque | 70 lb-ft | 117 lb-ft |
| Engine Size | 1,275 cc | 1,558 cc |
| 0-60 mph | 14.2 sec | 6.7 sec |
| Top Speed | 95 mph | 120 mph |
| ¼ Mile | 19.5 sec | 15.2 sec |
| Weight | 1,627 lbs | 1,519 lbs |
| Wheelbase | 2,032 mm | 2,134 mm |
| Length | 3,530 mm | 3,658 mm |
| Units Produced | 22,793 | 1,353 |
| Original MSRP | $2,195 | $4,795 |
| Value (Excellent) | $22,000 | $75,000 |
| Collectibility | 6/10 | 9/10 |
| Rarity | 6/10 | 8/10 |
Numbers favor the 1971 Lotus Elan Sprint Fixed Head Coupe with more power, quicker acceleration, higher top speed. The 1967 Austin-Healey Sprite MkIV Roadster offers better value, and has its own devoted following. For those who let their heart decide, either car delivers a rewarding ownership experience.
In the world of Sports Car cars, few comparisons generate as much discussion as the 1967 Austin-Healey Sprite MkIV Roadster versus the 1971 Lotus Elan Sprint Fixed Head Coupe. Both hail from Muscle era and represent the pinnacle of their respective manufacturers' ambitions. The 1971 Lotus Elan Sprint Fixed Head Coupe holds a clear advantage in raw power with 126 hp compared to 65 hp, a 61-horsepower difference that shapes the driving experience. Under the hood, the contrast is notable: the Austin-Healey Sprite MkIV uses a Inline-4 OHV displacing 1,275 cc, while the Lotus Elan Sprint relies on a Inline-4 DOHC with 1,558 cc. In the sprint to 60 mph, the 1971 Lotus Elan Sprint Fixed Head Coupe edges ahead at 6.7 seconds versus 14.2 seconds. Rarity plays a significant role here — with only 1,353 units built, the 1971 Lotus Elan Sprint Fixed Head Coupe is considerably scarcer than the Austin-Healey Sprite MkIV's 22,793 examples. On the collector market, the 1971 Lotus Elan Sprint Fixed Head Coupe commands a significant premium over the 1967 Austin-Healey Sprite MkIV Roadster, reflecting differences in prestige and rarity. From a collectibility standpoint, the 1971 Lotus Elan Sprint Fixed Head Coupe rates higher among enthusiasts and auction houses.