1980 Ford Escort vs. 1968 Triumph Spitfire
To start off, 1980 Ford Escort is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1968 Triumph Spitfire. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1968 Triumph Spitfire would be higher. At 1,296 cc (4 cylinders), 1968 Triumph Spitfire is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1968 Triumph Spitfire (75 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 30 more horse power than 1980 Ford Escort. (45 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1968 Triumph Spitfire should accelerate faster than 1980 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1980 Ford Escort weights approximately 125 kg more than 1968 Triumph Spitfire.
Because 1980 Ford Escort 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 1980 Ford Escort. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1968 Triumph Spitfire, 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, 1968 Triumph Spitfire (104 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 44 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Ford Escort. (60 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1968 Triumph Spitfire will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Ford Escort.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Ford Escort | 1968 Triumph Spitfire | |
| Make | Ford | Triumph |
| Model | Escort | Spitfire |
| Year Released | 1980 | 1968 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 939 cc | 1296 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 45 HP | 75 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 60 Nm | 104 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 875 kg | 750 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3980 mm | 3740 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1600 mm | 1450 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1210 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2110 mm |
