1996 Caterham 7 vs. 1980 Triumph Spitfire
To start off, 1996 Caterham 7 is newer by 16 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 1,588 cc (4 cylinders), 1996 Caterham 7 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Caterham 7 (138 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 67 more horse power than 1980 Triumph Spitfire. (71 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Caterham 7 should accelerate faster than 1980 Triumph Spitfire. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1980 Triumph Spitfire weights approximately 337 kg more than 1996 Caterham 7.
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, 1996 Caterham 7 (156 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 45 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Triumph Spitfire. (111 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1996 Caterham 7 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Triumph Spitfire.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Caterham 7 | 1980 Triumph Spitfire | |
| Make | Caterham | Triumph |
| Model | 7 | Spitfire |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1980 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1588 cc | 1493 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 71 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 156 Nm | 111 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 478 kg | 815 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3110 mm | 3740 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1580 mm | 1450 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 810 mm | 1210 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2240 mm | 2110 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 36 L | 33 L |
