1965 Triumph Spitfire vs. 1969 Triumph 1300
To start off, 1969 Triumph 1300 is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1965 Triumph Spitfire. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1965 Triumph Spitfire would be higher. At 1,296 cc (4 cylinders), 1969 Triumph 1300 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1965 Triumph Spitfire (66 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 5 more horse power than 1969 Triumph 1300. (61 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1965 Triumph Spitfire should accelerate faster than 1969 Triumph 1300. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1969 Triumph 1300 weights approximately 190 kg more than 1965 Triumph Spitfire.
Because 1965 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 1965 Triumph Spitfire. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1969 Triumph 1300, 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, 1969 Triumph 1300 (99 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 5 more torque (in Nm) than 1965 Triumph Spitfire. (94 Nm @ 3760 RPM). This means 1969 Triumph 1300 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1965 Triumph Spitfire.
Compare all specifications:
| 1965 Triumph Spitfire | 1969 Triumph 1300 | |
| Make | Triumph | Triumph |
| Model | Spitfire | 1300 |
| Year Released | 1965 | 1969 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1147 cc | 1296 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 66 HP | 61 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 94 Nm | 99 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3760 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 69.3 mm | 73.7 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76 mm | 76 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 725 kg | 915 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3690 mm | 3940 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1450 mm | 1570 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1210 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2140 mm | 2460 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 37 L | 53 L |
