1979 Triumph Spitfire vs. 2006 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2006 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 27 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 3,168 cc (6 cylinders), 2006 Volkswagen Passat is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Volkswagen Passat (247 HP @ 6250 RPM) has 176 more horse power than 1979 Triumph Spitfire. (71 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Volkswagen Passat should accelerate faster than 1979 Triumph Spitfire. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 900 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 2006 Volkswagen Passat is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1979 Triumph Spitfire. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2006 Volkswagen Passat will offer significantly more control. 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, 2006 Volkswagen Passat (330 Nm @ 2750 RPM) has 219 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Triumph Spitfire. (111 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2006 Volkswagen Passat will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Triumph Spitfire. 2006 Volkswagen Passat has automatic transmission and 1979 Triumph Spitfire has manual transmission. 1979 Triumph Spitfire will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2006 Volkswagen Passat will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Triumph Spitfire | 2006 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Triumph | Volkswagen |
| Model | Spitfire | Passat |
| Year Released | 1979 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1493 cc | 3168 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 71 HP | 247 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6250 RPM |
| Torque | 111 Nm | 330 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2750 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 12.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 815 kg | 1715 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3740 mm | 4780 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1450 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1210 mm | 1520 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2110 mm | 2720 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 33 L | 68 L |
