1961 Triumph TR3 vs. 1966 Triumph Spitfire
To start off, 1966 Triumph Spitfire is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1961 Triumph TR3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1961 Triumph TR3 would be higher. At 2,138 cc (4 cylinders), 1961 Triumph TR3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1961 Triumph TR3 (101 HP @ 4600 RPM) has 34 more horse power than 1966 Triumph Spitfire. (67 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1961 Triumph TR3 should accelerate faster than 1966 Triumph Spitfire. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1961 Triumph TR3 weights approximately 179 kg more than 1966 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, 1961 Triumph TR3 (172 Nm @ 3350 RPM) has 79 more torque (in Nm) than 1966 Triumph Spitfire. (93 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 1961 Triumph TR3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1966 Triumph Spitfire.
Compare all specifications:
| 1961 Triumph TR3 | 1966 Triumph Spitfire | |
| Make | Triumph | Triumph |
| Model | TR3 | Spitfire |
| Year Released | 1961 | 1966 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2138 cc | 1147 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 101 HP | 67 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 172 Nm | 93 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3350 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 904 kg | 725 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3840 mm | 3690 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1420 mm | 1450 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1280 mm | 1210 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2240 mm | 2140 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 53 L | 37 L |
