1965 Triumph Spitfire vs. 2007 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2007 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 42 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 1,896 cc (4 cylinders), 2007 Volkswagen Golf is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 Volkswagen Golf (104 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 38 more horse power than 1965 Triumph Spitfire. (66 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2007 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 1965 Triumph Spitfire. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 670 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, 2007 Volkswagen Golf, 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, 2007 Volkswagen Golf (251 Nm @ 190 RPM) has 157 more torque (in Nm) than 1965 Triumph Spitfire. (94 Nm @ 3760 RPM). This means 2007 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1965 Triumph Spitfire.
Compare all specifications:
| 1965 Triumph Spitfire | 2007 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Triumph | Volkswagen |
| Model | Spitfire | Golf |
| Year Released | 1965 | 2007 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1147 cc | 1896 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 66 HP | 104 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 94 Nm | 251 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3760 RPM | 190 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 69.3 mm | 79.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76 mm | 95.5 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Top Speed | 148 km/hour | 176 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 725 kg | 1395 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3690 mm | 4210 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1450 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1210 mm | 1660 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2140 mm | 2580 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 37 L | 55 L |
