1980 Triumph Spitfire vs. 2006 BMW 335
To start off, 2006 BMW 335 is newer by 26 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 2,978 cc (6 cylinders), 2006 BMW 335 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 BMW 335 (302 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 231 more horse power than 1980 Triumph Spitfire. (71 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 BMW 335 should accelerate faster than 1980 Triumph Spitfire. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 BMW 335 weights approximately 785 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.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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 BMW 335 (400 Nm @ 1300 RPM) has 289 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Triumph Spitfire. (111 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2006 BMW 335 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Triumph Spitfire. 2006 BMW 335 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. 2006 BMW 335 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Triumph Spitfire | 2006 BMW 335 | |
| Make | Triumph | BMW |
| Model | Spitfire | 335 |
| Year Released | 1980 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1493 cc | 2978 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 71 HP | 302 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 111 Nm | 400 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 1300 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 10.2:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 815 kg | 1600 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3740 mm | 4590 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1450 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1210 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2110 mm | 2770 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 33 L | 63 L |
