1979 Triumph Spitfire vs. 2012 Fiat 500
To start off, 2012 Fiat 500 is newer by 33 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 1,493 cc (4 cylinders), 1979 Triumph Spitfire is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Fiat 500 (74 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 3 more horse power than 1979 Triumph Spitfire. (71 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Fiat 500 should accelerate faster than 1979 Triumph Spitfire. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Fiat 500 weights approximately 240 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, 2012 Fiat 500, 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, 2012 Fiat 500 (145 Nm @ 1500 RPM) has 34 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Triumph Spitfire. (111 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2012 Fiat 500 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Triumph Spitfire.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Triumph Spitfire | 2012 Fiat 500 | |
| Make | Triumph | Fiat |
| Model | Spitfire | 500 |
| Year Released | 1979 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1493 cc | 1248 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 71 HP | 74 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 111 Nm | 145 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 1500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 73.7 mm | 69.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 87.5 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 17.6:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 815 kg | 1055 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3740 mm | 3550 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1450 mm | 1630 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1210 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2110 mm | 2310 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 33 L | 35 L |
