1976 Triumph TR7 vs. 1968 Triumph Spitfire
To start off, 1976 Triumph TR7 is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1968 Triumph Spitfire. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1968 Triumph Spitfire would be higher. At 1,998 cc (4 cylinders), 1976 Triumph TR7 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1976 Triumph TR7 (104 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 29 more horse power than 1968 Triumph Spitfire. (75 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1976 Triumph TR7 should accelerate faster than 1968 Triumph Spitfire. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1976 Triumph TR7 weights approximately 300 kg more than 1968 Triumph Spitfire. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1976 Triumph TR7 is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1976 Triumph TR7. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1968 Triumph Spitfire, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 1976 Triumph TR7 (161 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 57 more torque (in Nm) than 1968 Triumph Spitfire. (104 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1976 Triumph TR7 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1968 Triumph Spitfire.
Compare all specifications:
| 1976 Triumph TR7 | 1968 Triumph Spitfire | |
| Make | Triumph | Triumph |
| Model | TR7 | Spitfire |
| Year Released | 1976 | 1968 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1998 cc | 1296 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 104 HP | 75 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 161 Nm | 104 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 90.3 mm | 73.7 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78 mm | 76 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1050 kg | 750 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4070 mm | 3740 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1450 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1270 mm | 1210 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2170 mm | 2110 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 40 L |
