1985 Ford Mustang vs. 1978 Triumph Spitfire
To start off, 1985 Ford Mustang is newer by 7 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 2,294 cc (4 cylinders), 1985 Ford Mustang is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1985 Ford Mustang (87 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 31 more horse power than 1978 Triumph Spitfire. (56 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1985 Ford Mustang should accelerate faster than 1978 Triumph Spitfire. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1985 Ford Mustang weights approximately 370 kg more than 1978 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, 1985 Ford Mustang (161 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 60 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Triumph Spitfire. (101 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1985 Ford Mustang will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Triumph Spitfire.
Compare all specifications:
| 1985 Ford Mustang | 1978 Triumph Spitfire | |
| Make | Ford | Triumph |
| Model | Mustang | Spitfire |
| Year Released | 1985 | 1978 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2294 cc | 1493 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 87 HP | 56 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 161 Nm | 101 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1185 kg | 815 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4560 mm | 3740 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1450 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1210 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2560 mm | 2110 mm |
