1978 Triumph Spitfire vs. 1979 Triumph Dolomite
To start off, 1979 Triumph Dolomite is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Triumph Spitfire. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Triumph Spitfire would be higher. At 1,493 cc (4 cylinders), 1978 Triumph Spitfire is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1979 Triumph Dolomite (57 HP @ 5300 RPM) has 1 more horse power than 1978 Triumph Spitfire. (56 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1979 Triumph Dolomite should accelerate faster than 1978 Triumph Spitfire. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Triumph Dolomite weights approximately 125 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, 1978 Triumph Spitfire (101 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 6 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Triumph Dolomite. (95 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1978 Triumph Spitfire will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Triumph Dolomite.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Triumph Spitfire | 1979 Triumph Dolomite | |
| Make | Triumph | Triumph |
| Model | Spitfire | Dolomite |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1979 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1493 cc | 1295 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 56 HP | 57 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5300 RPM |
| Torque | 101 Nm | 95 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3000 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 | 940 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3740 mm | 4120 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1450 mm | 1590 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1210 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2110 mm | 2460 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 33 L | 56 L |
