1964 Triumph Spitfire vs. 1955 Triumph TR3
To start off, 1964 Triumph Spitfire is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1955 Triumph TR3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1955 Triumph TR3 would be higher. At 1,991 cc (4 cylinders), 1955 Triumph TR3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1955 Triumph TR3 (94 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 32 more horse power than 1964 Triumph Spitfire. (62 HP @ 5750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1955 Triumph TR3 should accelerate faster than 1964 Triumph Spitfire. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1955 Triumph TR3 weights approximately 220 kg more than 1964 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, 1955 Triumph TR3 (160 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 69 more torque (in Nm) than 1964 Triumph Spitfire. (91 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1955 Triumph TR3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1964 Triumph Spitfire.
Compare all specifications:
| 1964 Triumph Spitfire | 1955 Triumph TR3 | |
| Make | Triumph | Triumph |
| Model | Spitfire | TR3 |
| Year Released | 1964 | 1955 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Roadster |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1147 cc | 1991 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 62 HP | 94 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 91 Nm | 160 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 69.3 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76 mm | 92 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 148 km/hour | 169 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 705 kg | 925 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3690 mm | 3840 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1450 mm | 1420 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1210 mm | 1280 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2110 mm | 2240 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 40 L | 29 L |
