1979 Triumph Spitfire vs. 1964 Triumph TR4
To start off, 1979 Triumph Spitfire is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1964 Triumph TR4. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1964 Triumph TR4 would be higher. At 2,138 cc (4 cylinders), 1964 Triumph TR4 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1964 Triumph TR4 (100 HP @ 4700 RPM) has 29 more horse power than 1979 Triumph Spitfire. (71 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1964 Triumph TR4 should accelerate faster than 1979 Triumph Spitfire. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1964 Triumph TR4 weights approximately 150 kg more than 1979 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, 1964 Triumph TR4 (172 Nm @ 3350 RPM) has 61 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Triumph Spitfire. (111 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1964 Triumph TR4 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Triumph Spitfire.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Triumph Spitfire | 1964 Triumph TR4 | |
| Make | Triumph | Triumph |
| Model | Spitfire | TR4 |
| Year Released | 1979 | 1964 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Roadster |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1493 cc | 2138 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 71 HP | 100 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4700 RPM |
| Torque | 111 Nm | 172 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3350 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 73.7 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 87.5 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 815 kg | 965 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3740 mm | 3950 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1450 mm | 1480 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1210 mm | 1280 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2110 mm | 2240 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 33 L | 53 L |
