1987 Honda Prelude vs. 1978 Triumph Spitfire
To start off, 1987 Honda Prelude is newer by 9 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 1,958 cc (4 cylinders), 1987 Honda Prelude is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1987 Honda Prelude (114 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 58 more horse power than 1978 Triumph Spitfire. (56 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1987 Honda Prelude should accelerate faster than 1978 Triumph Spitfire. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1987 Honda Prelude weights approximately 280 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.
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, 1987 Honda Prelude, 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, 1987 Honda Prelude (157 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 56 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Triumph Spitfire. (101 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1987 Honda Prelude will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Triumph Spitfire.
Compare all specifications:
| 1987 Honda Prelude | 1978 Triumph Spitfire | |
| Make | Honda | Triumph |
| Model | Prelude | Spitfire |
| Year Released | 1987 | 1978 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1958 cc | 1493 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 114 HP | 56 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 157 Nm | 101 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1095 kg | 815 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4470 mm | 3740 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1450 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1210 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2110 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 38 L | 33 L |
