1968 Honda S800 vs. 1978 Triumph Spitfire
To start off, 1978 Triumph Spitfire is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1968 Honda S800. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1968 Honda S800 would be higher. At 1,493 cc (4 cylinders), 1978 Triumph Spitfire is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1968 Honda S800 (67 HP @ 8000 RPM) has 11 more horse power than 1978 Triumph Spitfire. (56 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1968 Honda S800 should accelerate faster than 1978 Triumph Spitfire. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Triumph Spitfire weights approximately 101 kg more than 1968 Honda S800.
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, 1978 Triumph Spitfire (101 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 35 more torque (in Nm) than 1968 Honda S800. (66 Nm @ 6000 RPM). This means 1978 Triumph Spitfire will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1968 Honda S800.
Compare all specifications:
| 1968 Honda S800 | 1978 Triumph Spitfire | |
| Make | Honda | Triumph |
| Model | S800 | Spitfire |
| Year Released | 1968 | 1978 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 791 cc | 1493 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 67 HP | 56 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 66 Nm | 101 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 6000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 714 kg | 815 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3340 mm | 3740 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1410 mm | 1450 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1230 mm | 1210 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2010 mm | 2110 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 35 L | 33 L |
