1965 Triumph Spitfire vs. 1997 Alfa Romeo 146
To start off, 1997 Alfa Romeo 146 is newer by 32 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 1,712 cc (4 cylinders), 1997 Alfa Romeo 146 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Alfa Romeo 146 (129 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 63 more horse power than 1965 Triumph Spitfire. (66 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Alfa Romeo 146 should accelerate faster than 1965 Triumph Spitfire. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Alfa Romeo 146 weights approximately 500 kg more than 1965 Triumph Spitfire. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 1997 Alfa Romeo 146, 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, 1997 Alfa Romeo 146 (149 Nm @ 4300 RPM) has 55 more torque (in Nm) than 1965 Triumph Spitfire. (94 Nm @ 3760 RPM). This means 1997 Alfa Romeo 146 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1965 Triumph Spitfire.
Compare all specifications:
| 1965 Triumph Spitfire | 1997 Alfa Romeo 146 | |
| Make | Triumph | Alfa Romeo |
| Model | Spitfire | 146 |
| Year Released | 1965 | 1997 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1147 cc | 1712 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | boxer |
| Horse Power | 66 HP | 129 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 94 Nm | 149 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3760 RPM | 4300 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 69.3 mm | 87 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76 mm | 72 mm |
| Top Speed | 148 km/hour | 201 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 725 kg | 1225 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3690 mm | 4260 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1450 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1210 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2140 mm | 2550 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 37 L | 50 L |
