1978 Triumph TR7 vs. 1963 Triumph Spitfire
To start off, 1978 Triumph TR7 is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1963 Triumph Spitfire. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1963 Triumph Spitfire would be higher. At 1,998 cc (4 cylinders), 1978 Triumph TR7 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Triumph TR7 (106 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 44 more horse power than 1963 Triumph Spitfire. (62 HP @ 5750 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1978 Triumph TR7 should accelerate faster than 1963 Triumph Spitfire. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Triumph TR7 weights approximately 340 kg more than 1963 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 TR7 (162 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 71 more torque (in Nm) than 1963 Triumph Spitfire. (91 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1978 Triumph TR7 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1963 Triumph Spitfire.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Triumph TR7 | 1963 Triumph Spitfire | |
| Make | Triumph | Triumph |
| Model | TR7 | Spitfire |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1963 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1998 cc | 1147 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 106 HP | 62 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5750 RPM |
| Torque | 162 Nm | 91 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 90.3 mm | 69.3 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78 mm | 76 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1045 kg | 705 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4070 mm | 3690 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1450 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1270 mm | 1210 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2170 mm | 2110 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 40 L |
