1998 Honda Civic vs. 1966 Triumph Spitfire
To start off, 1998 Honda Civic is newer by 32 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1966 Triumph Spitfire. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1966 Triumph Spitfire would be higher. At 1,834 cc (4 cylinders), 1998 Honda Civic is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Honda Civic (138 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 71 more horse power than 1966 Triumph Spitfire. (67 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 Honda Civic should accelerate faster than 1966 Triumph Spitfire. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Honda Civic weights approximately 445 kg more than 1966 Triumph Spitfire. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1966 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 1966 Triumph Spitfire. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1998 Honda Civic, 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, 1998 Honda Civic (175 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 82 more torque (in Nm) than 1966 Triumph Spitfire. (93 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 1998 Honda Civic will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1966 Triumph Spitfire.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Honda Civic | 1966 Triumph Spitfire | |
| Make | Honda | Triumph |
| Model | Civic | Spitfire |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1966 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1834 cc | 1147 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 67 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 175 Nm | 93 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1170 kg | 725 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4580 mm | 3690 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1450 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1500 mm | 1210 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2140 mm |
