1974 Fiat 500 vs. 1978 Triumph Spitfire
To start off, 1978 Triumph Spitfire is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Fiat 500. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Fiat 500 would be higher. At 1,493 cc (4 cylinders), 1978 Triumph Spitfire is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Triumph Spitfire (56 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 38 more horse power than 1974 Fiat 500. (18 HP @ 4600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1978 Triumph Spitfire should accelerate faster than 1974 Fiat 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Triumph Spitfire weights approximately 299 kg more than 1974 Fiat 500. 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, 1978 Triumph Spitfire (101 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 74 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Fiat 500. (27 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 1978 Triumph Spitfire will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Fiat 500.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 Fiat 500 | 1978 Triumph Spitfire | |
| Make | Fiat | Triumph |
| Model | 500 | Spitfire |
| Year Released | 1974 | 1978 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 499 cc | 1493 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 18 HP | 56 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 27 Nm | 101 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 516 kg | 815 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 2980 mm | 3740 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1330 mm | 1450 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1210 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1850 mm | 2110 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 22 L | 33 L |
