1978 Fiat 131 vs. 1968 Triumph Spitfire
To start off, 1978 Fiat 131 is newer by 10 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 1,995 cc (4 cylinders), 1978 Fiat 131 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1968 Triumph Spitfire (75 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 16 more horse power than 1978 Fiat 131. (59 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1968 Triumph Spitfire should accelerate faster than 1978 Fiat 131. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Fiat 131 weights approximately 430 kg more than 1968 Triumph Spitfire.
Because 1978 Fiat 131 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 1978 Fiat 131. 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, 1978 Fiat 131 (113 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 9 more torque (in Nm) than 1968 Triumph Spitfire. (104 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1978 Fiat 131 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1968 Triumph Spitfire.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Fiat 131 | 1968 Triumph Spitfire | |
| Make | Fiat | Triumph |
| Model | 131 | Spitfire |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1968 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 1296 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 75 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 113 Nm | 104 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 88 mm | 73.7 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82 mm | 76 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 22.0:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1180 kg | 750 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4270 mm | 3740 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1450 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1210 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2500 mm | 2110 mm |
