1981 Ford Fiesta vs. 1966 Triumph Spitfire
To start off, 1981 Ford Fiesta is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1966 Triumph Spitfire. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1966 Triumph Spitfire would be higher. At 1,608 cc (4 cylinders), 1981 Ford Fiesta is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Ford Fiesta (83 HP @ 5300 RPM) has 16 more horse power than 1966 Triumph Spitfire. (67 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1981 Ford Fiesta should accelerate faster than 1966 Triumph Spitfire. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Ford Fiesta weights approximately 75 kg more than 1966 Triumph Spitfire. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1966 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 1966 Triumph Spitfire. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1981 Ford Fiesta, 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, 1981 Ford Fiesta (129 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 36 more torque (in Nm) than 1966 Triumph Spitfire. (93 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 1981 Ford Fiesta will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1966 Triumph Spitfire.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Ford Fiesta | 1966 Triumph Spitfire | |
| Make | Ford | Triumph |
| Model | Fiesta | Spitfire |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1966 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1608 cc | 1147 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 83 HP | 67 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 129 Nm | 93 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 800 kg | 725 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3570 mm | 3690 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1590 mm | 1450 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1210 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2400 mm | 2140 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 34 L | 37 L |
