1966 Triumph Spitfire vs. 1982 Volkswagen Rabbit
To start off, 1982 Volkswagen Rabbit is newer by 16 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1966 Triumph Spitfire. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1966 Triumph Spitfire would be higher. At 1,715 cc (4 cylinders), 1982 Volkswagen Rabbit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1966 Triumph Spitfire (67 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 3 more horse power than 1982 Volkswagen Rabbit. (64 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1966 Triumph Spitfire should accelerate faster than 1982 Volkswagen Rabbit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1982 Volkswagen Rabbit weights approximately 120 kg more than 1966 Triumph Spitfire.
Because 1966 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 1966 Triumph Spitfire. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1982 Volkswagen Rabbit, 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, 1982 Volkswagen Rabbit (116 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 23 more torque (in Nm) than 1966 Triumph Spitfire. (93 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 1982 Volkswagen Rabbit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1966 Triumph Spitfire.
Compare all specifications:
| 1966 Triumph Spitfire | 1982 Volkswagen Rabbit | |
| Make | Triumph | Volkswagen |
| Model | Spitfire | Rabbit |
| Year Released | 1966 | 1982 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1147 cc | 1715 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 67 HP | 64 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 93 Nm | 116 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 725 kg | 845 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3690 mm | 3950 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1450 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1210 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2140 mm | 2410 mm |
