1978 Triumph Spitfire vs. 1972 Volvo 164
To start off, 1978 Triumph Spitfire is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 Volvo 164. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 Volvo 164 would be higher. At 2,978 cc (6 cylinders), 1972 Volvo 164 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1972 Volvo 164 (156 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 100 more horse power than 1978 Triumph Spitfire. (56 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1972 Volvo 164 should accelerate faster than 1978 Triumph Spitfire. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 Volvo 164 weights approximately 545 kg more than 1978 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, 1972 Volvo 164 (241 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 140 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Triumph Spitfire. (101 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1972 Volvo 164 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Triumph Spitfire.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Triumph Spitfire | 1972 Volvo 164 | |
| Make | Triumph | Volvo |
| Model | Spitfire | 164 |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1972 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1493 cc | 2978 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 56 HP | 156 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 101 Nm | 241 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 815 kg | 1360 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3740 mm | 4720 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1450 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1210 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2110 mm | 2730 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 33 L | 60 L |
