1966 Triumph Vitesse vs. 1961 Triumph TR3
To start off, 1966 Triumph Vitesse is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1961 Triumph TR3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1961 Triumph TR3 would be higher. At 2,138 cc (4 cylinders), 1961 Triumph TR3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1961 Triumph TR3 (101 HP @ 4600 RPM) has 7 more horse power than 1966 Triumph Vitesse. (94 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1961 Triumph TR3 should accelerate faster than 1966 Triumph Vitesse. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1966 Triumph Vitesse weights approximately 26 kg more than 1961 Triumph TR3.
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, 1961 Triumph TR3 (172 Nm @ 3350 RPM) has 14 more torque (in Nm) than 1966 Triumph Vitesse. (158 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1961 Triumph TR3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1966 Triumph Vitesse.
Compare all specifications:
| 1966 Triumph Vitesse | 1961 Triumph TR3 | |
| Make | Triumph | Triumph |
| Model | Vitesse | TR3 |
| Year Released | 1966 | 1961 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1998 cc | 2138 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 94 HP | 101 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Torque | 158 Nm | 172 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3350 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 74.7 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 161 km/hour | 174 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 930 kg | 904 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3890 mm | 3840 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1530 mm | 1420 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1280 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2330 mm | 2240 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 39 L | 53 L |
