1985 Mercedes-Benz 420 vs. 1978 Triumph Spitfire
To start off, 1985 Mercedes-Benz 420 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 4,196 cc (8 cylinders), 1985 Mercedes-Benz 420 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1985 Mercedes-Benz 420 (218 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 162 more horse power than 1978 Triumph Spitfire. (56 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1985 Mercedes-Benz 420 should accelerate faster than 1978 Triumph Spitfire. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1985 Mercedes-Benz 420 weights approximately 785 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 Mercedes-Benz 420 (329 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 228 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Triumph Spitfire. (101 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1985 Mercedes-Benz 420 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Triumph Spitfire.
Compare all specifications:
| 1985 Mercedes-Benz 420 | 1978 Triumph Spitfire | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Triumph |
| Model | 420 | Spitfire |
| Year Released | 1985 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4196 cc | 1493 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 218 HP | 56 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 329 Nm | 101 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1600 kg | 815 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5070 mm | 3740 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1450 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1210 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2850 mm | 2110 mm |
