1964 Triumph Spitfire vs. 1974 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 1974 Pontiac Firebird is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1964 Triumph Spitfire. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1964 Triumph Spitfire would be higher. At 5,792 cc (8 cylinders), 1974 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1974 Pontiac Firebird (158 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 96 more horse power than 1964 Triumph Spitfire. (62 HP @ 5750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1974 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 1964 Triumph Spitfire. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 880 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, 1974 Pontiac Firebird (366 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 275 more torque (in Nm) than 1964 Triumph Spitfire. (91 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1974 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1964 Triumph Spitfire.
Compare all specifications:
| 1964 Triumph Spitfire | 1974 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Triumph | Pontiac |
| Model | Spitfire | Firebird |
| Year Released | 1964 | 1974 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1147 cc | 5792 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 62 HP | 158 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 91 Nm | 366 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 705 kg | 1585 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3690 mm | 4880 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1450 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1210 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2110 mm | 2750 mm |
