1980 Triumph Spitfire vs. 2011 Volkswagen Jetta
To start off, 2011 Volkswagen Jetta is newer by 31 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 2,500 cc (5 cylinders), 2011 Volkswagen Jetta is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Volkswagen Jetta (170 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 99 more horse power than 1980 Triumph Spitfire. (71 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Volkswagen Jetta should accelerate faster than 1980 Triumph Spitfire. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Volkswagen Jetta weights approximately 675 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, 2011 Volkswagen Jetta, 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, 2011 Volkswagen Jetta (240 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 129 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Triumph Spitfire. (111 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2011 Volkswagen Jetta will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Triumph Spitfire. 2011 Volkswagen Jetta 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. 2011 Volkswagen Jetta will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Triumph Spitfire | 2011 Volkswagen Jetta | |
| Make | Triumph | Volkswagen |
| Model | Spitfire | Jetta |
| Year Released | 1980 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1493 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 71 HP | 170 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 111 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 815 kg | 1490 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3740 mm | 4557 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1450 mm | 1781 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1210 mm | 1504 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2110 mm | 2578 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 33 L | 55 L |
