1959 Berkeley Foursome vs. 1980 Triumph Spitfire
To start off, 1980 Triumph Spitfire is newer by 21 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1959 Berkeley Foursome. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 Berkeley Foursome would be higher. At 1,493 cc (4 cylinders), 1980 Triumph Spitfire is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1980 Triumph Spitfire (71 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 41 more horse power than 1959 Berkeley Foursome. (30 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1980 Triumph Spitfire should accelerate faster than 1959 Berkeley Foursome. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1980 Triumph Spitfire weights approximately 459 kg more than 1959 Berkeley Foursome. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1980 Triumph Spitfire 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 1980 Triumph Spitfire. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1959 Berkeley Foursome, 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, 1980 Triumph Spitfire (111 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 63 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Berkeley Foursome. (48 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1980 Triumph Spitfire will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Berkeley Foursome.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 Berkeley Foursome | 1980 Triumph Spitfire | |
| Make | Berkeley | Triumph |
| Model | Foursome | Spitfire |
| Year Released | 1959 | 1980 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 592 cc | 1493 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 30 HP | 71 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 48 Nm | 111 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 356 kg | 815 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3340 mm | 3740 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1380 mm | 1450 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1180 mm | 1210 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1990 mm | 2110 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 24 L | 33 L |
