1958 Riley 4 vs. 1975 Triumph Spitfire
To start off, 1975 Triumph Spitfire is newer by 17 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1958 Riley 4. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1958 Riley 4 would be higher. At 1,492 cc (4 cylinders), 1975 Triumph Spitfire is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1958 Riley 4 (63 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 7 more horse power than 1975 Triumph Spitfire. (56 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1958 Riley 4 should accelerate faster than 1975 Triumph Spitfire. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1958 Riley 4 weights approximately 325 kg more than 1975 Triumph Spitfire. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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, 1958 Riley 4 (115 Nm @ 3300 RPM) has 15 more torque (in Nm) than 1975 Triumph Spitfire. (100 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1958 Riley 4 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1975 Triumph Spitfire.
Compare all specifications:
| 1958 Riley 4 | 1975 Triumph Spitfire | |
| Make | Riley | Triumph |
| Model | 4 | Spitfire |
| Year Released | 1958 | 1975 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1489 cc | 1492 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 63 HP | 56 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 115 Nm | 100 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3300 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1140 kg | 815 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4530 mm | 3790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1620 mm | 1500 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1530 mm | 1210 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2530 mm | 2110 mm |
