1989 Mercedes-Benz SL vs. 1979 Triumph Spitfire
To start off, 1989 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Triumph Spitfire. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Triumph Spitfire would be higher. At 2,962 cc (6 cylinders), 1989 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Mercedes-Benz SL (228 HP @ 6400 RPM) has 157 more horse power than 1979 Triumph Spitfire. (71 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1989 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1979 Triumph Spitfire. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 875 kg more than 1979 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, 1989 Mercedes-Benz SL (267 Nm @ 4600 RPM) has 156 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Triumph Spitfire. (111 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1989 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Triumph Spitfire.
Compare all specifications:
| 1989 Mercedes-Benz SL | 1979 Triumph Spitfire | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Triumph |
| Model | SL | Spitfire |
| Year Released | 1989 | 1979 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2962 cc | 1493 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 228 HP | 71 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6400 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 267 Nm | 111 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4600 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 88.6 mm | 73.7 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 80.3 mm | 87.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1690 kg | 815 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 3740 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1450 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1210 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2110 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 33 L |
