1965 Triumph Spitfire vs. 2007 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2007 Volkswagen Passat 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 1,983 cc (4 cylinders), 2007 Volkswagen Passat is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 Volkswagen Passat (200 HP @ 5100 RPM) has 134 more horse power than 1965 Triumph Spitfire. (66 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2007 Volkswagen Passat should accelerate faster than 1965 Triumph Spitfire. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 790 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 Passat, 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 Passat (281 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 187 more torque (in Nm) than 1965 Triumph Spitfire. (94 Nm @ 3760 RPM). This means 2007 Volkswagen Passat 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 Passat | |
| Make | Triumph | Volkswagen |
| Model | Spitfire | Passat |
| Year Released | 1965 | 2007 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1147 cc | 1983 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 66 HP | 200 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5100 RPM |
| Torque | 94 Nm | 281 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3760 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 69.3 mm | 82.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76 mm | 92.8 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 725 kg | 1515 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3690 mm | 4790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1450 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1210 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2140 mm | 2720 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 37 L | 70 L |
