1981 Fiat 131 vs. 1979 Triumph Spitfire
To start off, 1981 Fiat 131 is newer by 2 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 1,995 cc (4 cylinders), 1981 Fiat 131 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Fiat 131 (111 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 40 more horse power than 1979 Triumph Spitfire. (71 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1981 Fiat 131 should accelerate faster than 1979 Triumph Spitfire. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Fiat 131 weights approximately 290 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.
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, 1981 Fiat 131 (167 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 56 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Triumph Spitfire. (111 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1981 Fiat 131 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Triumph Spitfire.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Fiat 131 | 1979 Triumph Spitfire | |
| Make | Fiat | Triumph |
| Model | 131 | Spitfire |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 1493 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 111 HP | 71 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 167 Nm | 111 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1105 kg | 815 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4270 mm | 3740 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1450 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1210 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2500 mm | 2110 mm |
