1961 Abarth 700 vs. 1978 Triumph Spitfire
To start off, 1978 Triumph Spitfire is newer by 17 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1961 Abarth 700. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1961 Abarth 700 would be higher. At 1,493 cc (4 cylinders), 1978 Triumph Spitfire is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Triumph Spitfire (56 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 11 more horse power than 1961 Abarth 700. (45 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1978 Triumph Spitfire should accelerate faster than 1961 Abarth 700. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Triumph Spitfire weights approximately 245 kg more than 1961 Abarth 700. 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, 1978 Triumph Spitfire (101 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 40 more torque (in Nm) than 1961 Abarth 700. (61 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1978 Triumph Spitfire will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1961 Abarth 700.
Compare all specifications:
| 1961 Abarth 700 | 1978 Triumph Spitfire | |
| Make | Abarth | Triumph |
| Model | 700 | Spitfire |
| Year Released | 1961 | 1978 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 745 cc | 1493 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 45 HP | 56 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 61 Nm | 101 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 570 kg | 815 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3600 mm | 3740 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1400 mm | 1450 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1180 mm | 1210 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2010 mm | 2110 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 59 L | 33 L |
