1980 Simca 1309 vs. 1979 Triumph Spitfire
To start off, 1980 Simca 1309 is newer by 1 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 1,592 cc (4 cylinders), 1980 Simca 1309 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1980 Simca 1309 (87 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 16 more horse power than 1979 Triumph Spitfire. (71 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1980 Simca 1309 should accelerate faster than 1979 Triumph Spitfire. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1980 Simca 1309 weights approximately 295 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, 1980 Simca 1309, 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, 1980 Simca 1309 (134 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 23 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Triumph Spitfire. (111 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1980 Simca 1309 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Triumph Spitfire. 1980 Simca 1309 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. 1980 Simca 1309 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Simca 1309 | 1979 Triumph Spitfire | |
| Make | Simca | Triumph |
| Model | 1309 | Spitfire |
| Year Released | 1980 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1592 cc | 1493 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 87 HP | 71 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 134 Nm | 111 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80.6 mm | 73.7 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78 mm | 87.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.4:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1110 kg | 815 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4260 mm | 3740 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1450 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1210 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2610 mm | 2110 mm |
