1984 Ford Fiesta vs. 1978 Triumph Spitfire
To start off, 1984 Ford Fiesta is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Triumph Spitfire. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Triumph Spitfire would be higher. At 1,493 cc (4 cylinders), 1978 Triumph Spitfire is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1984 Ford Fiesta (68 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 12 more horse power than 1978 Triumph Spitfire. (56 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1984 Ford Fiesta should accelerate faster than 1978 Triumph Spitfire. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Triumph Spitfire weights approximately 15 kg more than 1984 Ford Fiesta.
Because 1978 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 1978 Triumph Spitfire. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1984 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, 1984 Ford Fiesta (103 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 2 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Triumph Spitfire. (101 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1984 Ford Fiesta will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Triumph Spitfire.
Compare all specifications:
| 1984 Ford Fiesta | 1978 Triumph Spitfire | |
| Make | Ford | Triumph |
| Model | Fiesta | Spitfire |
| Year Released | 1984 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1296 cc | 1493 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 68 HP | 56 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 103 Nm | 101 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Vehicle Weight | 800 kg | 815 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3650 mm | 3740 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1590 mm | 1450 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1210 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2300 mm | 2110 mm |
