1958 Abarth 1000 vs. 1968 Triumph Spitfire
To start off, 1968 Triumph Spitfire is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1958 Abarth 1000. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1958 Abarth 1000 would be higher. At 1,296 cc (4 cylinders), 1968 Triumph Spitfire is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1958 Abarth 1000 (87 HP @ 8000 RPM) has 12 more horse power than 1968 Triumph Spitfire. (75 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1958 Abarth 1000 should accelerate faster than 1968 Triumph Spitfire. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1968 Triumph Spitfire weights approximately 70 kg more than 1958 Abarth 1000.
Because 1958 Abarth 1000 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 Abarth 1000. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1968 Triumph Spitfire, 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, 1968 Triumph Spitfire (104 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 8 more torque (in Nm) than 1958 Abarth 1000. (96 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1968 Triumph Spitfire will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1958 Abarth 1000.
Compare all specifications:
| 1958 Abarth 1000 | 1968 Triumph Spitfire | |
| Make | Abarth | Triumph |
| Model | 1000 | Spitfire |
| Year Released | 1958 | 1968 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 996 cc | 1296 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 87 HP | 75 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 96 Nm | 104 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 74 mm | 73.7 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 58 mm | 76 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 200 km/hour | 161 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 680 kg | 750 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3700 mm | 3740 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1560 mm | 1450 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1210 mm | 1210 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2170 mm | 2110 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 60 L | 40 L |
