1998 Chrysler Viper vs. 1978 Triumph Spitfire
To start off, 1998 Chrysler Viper is newer by 20 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 7,986 cc (10 cylinders), 1998 Chrysler Viper is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Chrysler Viper (389 HP @ 5150 RPM) has 333 more horse power than 1978 Triumph Spitfire. (56 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 Chrysler Viper should accelerate faster than 1978 Triumph Spitfire. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Chrysler Viper weights approximately 775 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, 1998 Chrysler Viper (621 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 520 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Triumph Spitfire. (101 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1998 Chrysler Viper will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Triumph Spitfire.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Chrysler Viper | 1978 Triumph Spitfire | |
| Make | Chrysler | Triumph |
| Model | Viper | Spitfire |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1978 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 7986 cc | 1493 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 10 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 389 HP | 56 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5150 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 621 Nm | 101 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1590 kg | 815 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4460 mm | 3740 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1930 mm | 1450 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1130 mm | 1210 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2110 mm |
