1980 Triumph Spitfire vs. 2003 Mitsubishi Magna
To start off, 2003 Mitsubishi Magna is newer by 23 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Triumph Spitfire. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Triumph Spitfire would be higher. At 2,351 cc (4 cylinders), 2003 Mitsubishi Magna is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Mitsubishi Magna (141 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 70 more horse power than 1980 Triumph Spitfire. (71 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Mitsubishi Magna should accelerate faster than 1980 Triumph Spitfire. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Mitsubishi Magna weights approximately 555 kg more than 1980 Triumph Spitfire. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1980 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 1980 Triumph Spitfire. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 Mitsubishi Magna, 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 Mitsubishi Magna (206 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 95 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Triumph Spitfire. (111 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2003 Mitsubishi Magna will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Triumph Spitfire. 2003 Mitsubishi Magna has automatic transmission and 1980 Triumph Spitfire has manual transmission. 1980 Triumph Spitfire will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2003 Mitsubishi Magna will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Triumph Spitfire | 2003 Mitsubishi Magna | |
| Make | Triumph | Mitsubishi |
| Model | Spitfire | Magna |
| Year Released | 1980 | 2003 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1493 cc | 2351 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 71 HP | 141 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 111 Nm | 206 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 815 kg | 1370 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3740 mm | 4790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1450 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1210 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2110 mm | 2730 mm |
