1975 Triumph Spitfire vs. 2008 Mercedes-Benz CLK
To start off, 2008 Mercedes-Benz CLK is newer by 33 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1975 Triumph Spitfire. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1975 Triumph Spitfire would be higher. At 2,985 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 Mercedes-Benz CLK is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Mercedes-Benz CLK (221 HP @ 4200 RPM) has 150 more horse power than 1975 Triumph Spitfire. (71 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Mercedes-Benz CLK should accelerate faster than 1975 Triumph Spitfire. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Mercedes-Benz CLK weights approximately 915 kg more than 1975 Triumph Spitfire. 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, 2008 Mercedes-Benz CLK (510 Nm @ 1400 RPM) has 399 more torque (in Nm) than 1975 Triumph Spitfire. (111 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2008 Mercedes-Benz CLK will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1975 Triumph Spitfire. 2008 Mercedes-Benz CLK has automatic transmission and 1975 Triumph Spitfire has manual transmission. 1975 Triumph Spitfire will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2008 Mercedes-Benz CLK will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1975 Triumph Spitfire | 2008 Mercedes-Benz CLK | |
| Make | Triumph | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Spitfire | CLK |
| Year Released | 1975 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1493 cc | 2985 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 71 HP | 221 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 111 Nm | 510 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 1400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 73.7 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 87.5 mm | 94 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 17.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 815 kg | 1730 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3740 mm | 4640 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1450 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1210 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2110 mm | 2720 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 33 L | 62 L |
