1963 Triumph Spitfire vs. 1991 Volvo 850
To start off, 1991 Volvo 850 is newer by 28 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1963 Triumph Spitfire. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1963 Triumph Spitfire would be higher. At 2,434 cc (5 cylinders), 1991 Volvo 850 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1991 Volvo 850 (168 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 106 more horse power than 1963 Triumph Spitfire. (62 HP @ 5750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1991 Volvo 850 should accelerate faster than 1963 Triumph Spitfire. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1991 Volvo 850 weights approximately 665 kg more than 1963 Triumph Spitfire. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1963 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 1963 Triumph Spitfire. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1991 Volvo 850, 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, 1991 Volvo 850 (230 Nm @ 3300 RPM) has 139 more torque (in Nm) than 1963 Triumph Spitfire. (91 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1991 Volvo 850 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1963 Triumph Spitfire.
Compare all specifications:
| 1963 Triumph Spitfire | 1991 Volvo 850 | |
| Make | Triumph | Volvo |
| Model | Spitfire | 850 |
| Year Released | 1963 | 1991 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1147 cc | 2434 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 62 HP | 168 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 91 Nm | 230 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3300 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 69.3 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 705 kg | 1370 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3690 mm | 4670 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1450 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1210 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2110 mm | 2670 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 40 L | 58 L |
