1978 Mercedes-Benz S vs. 1964 Triumph Spitfire
To start off, 1978 Mercedes-Benz S is newer by 14 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1964 Triumph Spitfire. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1964 Triumph Spitfire would be higher. At 2,998 cc (5 cylinders), 1978 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Mercedes-Benz S (114 HP @ 4200 RPM) has 52 more horse power than 1964 Triumph Spitfire. (62 HP @ 5750 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1978 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 1964 Triumph Spitfire. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 1510 kg more than 1964 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, 1978 Mercedes-Benz S (231 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 140 more torque (in Nm) than 1964 Triumph Spitfire. (91 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1978 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1964 Triumph Spitfire.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Mercedes-Benz S | 1964 Triumph Spitfire | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Triumph |
| Model | S | Spitfire |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1964 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2998 cc | 1147 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 5 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 114 HP | 62 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4200 RPM | 5750 RPM |
| Torque | 231 Nm | 91 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2215 kg | 705 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4970 mm | 3690 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1880 mm | 1450 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1210 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2870 mm | 2110 mm |
