1970 Lotus Seven vs. 1979 Triumph Spitfire
To start off, 1979 Triumph Spitfire is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1970 Lotus Seven. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1970 Lotus Seven would be higher. At 1,493 cc (4 cylinders), 1979 Triumph Spitfire is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1970 Lotus Seven (85 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 14 more horse power than 1979 Triumph Spitfire. (71 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1970 Lotus Seven should accelerate faster than 1979 Triumph Spitfire. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Triumph Spitfire weights approximately 225 kg more than 1970 Lotus Seven.
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, 1970 Lotus Seven (125 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 14 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Triumph Spitfire. (111 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1970 Lotus Seven will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Triumph Spitfire.
Compare all specifications:
| 1970 Lotus Seven | 1979 Triumph Spitfire | |
| Make | Lotus | Triumph |
| Model | Seven | Spitfire |
| Year Released | 1970 | 1979 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1340 cc | 1493 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 85 HP | 71 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 125 Nm | 111 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 590 kg | 815 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3710 mm | 3740 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1540 mm | 1450 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1110 mm | 1210 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2240 mm | 2110 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 34 L | 33 L |
