1966 Bristol 409 vs. 1979 Triumph Spitfire
To start off, 1979 Triumph Spitfire is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1966 Bristol 409. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1966 Bristol 409 would be higher. At 5,211 cc (8 cylinders), 1966 Bristol 409 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1966 Bristol 409 (215 HP) has 158 more horse power than 1979 Triumph Spitfire. (57 HP). In normal driving conditions, 1966 Bristol 409 should accelerate faster than 1979 Triumph Spitfire. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1966 Bristol 409 weights approximately 813 kg more than 1979 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, 1966 Bristol 409 (463 Nm) has 364 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Triumph Spitfire. (99 Nm). This means 1966 Bristol 409 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Triumph Spitfire. 1966 Bristol 409 has automatic transmission and 1979 Triumph Spitfire has manual transmission. 1979 Triumph Spitfire will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1966 Bristol 409 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1966 Bristol 409 | 1979 Triumph Spitfire | |
| Make | Bristol | Triumph |
| Model | 409 | Spitfire |
| Year Released | 1966 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5211 cc | 1491 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 215 HP | 57 HP |
| Torque | 463 Nm | 99 Nm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1600 kg | 787 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4920 mm | 3790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1490 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1510 mm | 1210 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2910 mm | 2110 mm |
