1979 Triumph Spitfire vs. 2003 Volvo S40
To start off, 2003 Volvo S40 is newer by 24 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Triumph Spitfire. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Triumph Spitfire would be higher. At 2,435 cc (5 cylinders), 2003 Volvo S40 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Volvo S40 (217 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 146 more horse power than 1979 Triumph Spitfire. (71 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Volvo S40 should accelerate faster than 1979 Triumph Spitfire. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Volvo S40 weights approximately 604 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.
Because 1979 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 1979 Triumph Spitfire. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 Volvo S40, 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, 2003 Volvo S40 (330 Nm @ 1500 RPM) has 219 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Triumph Spitfire. (111 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2003 Volvo S40 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Triumph Spitfire.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Triumph Spitfire | 2003 Volvo S40 | |
| Make | Triumph | Volvo |
| Model | Spitfire | S40 |
| Year Released | 1979 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1493 cc | 2435 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 71 HP | 217 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 111 Nm | 330 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 1500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 73.7 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 87.5 mm | 93.2 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 815 kg | 1419 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3740 mm | 4470 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1450 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1210 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2110 mm | 2720 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 33 L | 62 L |
