1987 Ford Fiesta vs. 1980 Triumph Spitfire
To start off, 1987 Ford Fiesta is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Triumph Spitfire. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Triumph Spitfire would be higher. At 1,493 cc (4 cylinders), 1980 Triumph Spitfire is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1980 Triumph Spitfire (71 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 27 more horse power than 1987 Ford Fiesta. (44 HP @ 5750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1980 Triumph Spitfire should accelerate faster than 1987 Ford Fiesta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1980 Triumph Spitfire weights approximately 50 kg more than 1987 Ford Fiesta. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1980 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 1980 Triumph Spitfire. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1987 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, 1980 Triumph Spitfire (111 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 43 more torque (in Nm) than 1987 Ford Fiesta. (68 Nm @ 3700 RPM). This means 1980 Triumph Spitfire will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1987 Ford Fiesta.
Compare all specifications:
| 1987 Ford Fiesta | 1980 Triumph Spitfire | |
| Make | Ford | Triumph |
| Model | Fiesta | Spitfire |
| Year Released | 1987 | 1980 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 957 cc | 1493 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 44 HP | 71 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 68 Nm | 111 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3700 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 765 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 |
