1978 Triumph Spitfire vs. 2004 Honda Civic
To start off, 2004 Honda Civic is newer by 26 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 1,667 cc (4 cylinders), 2004 Honda Civic is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Honda Civic (99 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 43 more horse power than 1978 Triumph Spitfire. (56 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Honda Civic should accelerate faster than 1978 Triumph Spitfire. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Honda Civic weights approximately 25 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.
Because 1978 Triumph Spitfire 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 Triumph Spitfire. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2004 Honda Civic, 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, 2004 Honda Civic (152 Nm @ 4300 RPM) has 51 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Triumph Spitfire. (101 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2004 Honda Civic will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Triumph Spitfire.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Triumph Spitfire | 2004 Honda Civic | |
| Make | Triumph | Honda |
| Model | Spitfire | Civic |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1493 cc | 1667 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 56 HP | 99 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 101 Nm | 152 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4300 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 815 kg | 840 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3740 mm | 4150 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1450 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1210 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2110 mm | 2690 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 33 L | 50 L |
