1998 Lotus Elise vs. 1977 Triumph Spitfire
To start off, 1998 Lotus Elise is newer by 21 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1977 Triumph Spitfire. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1977 Triumph Spitfire would be higher. At 1,796 cc (4 cylinders), 1998 Lotus Elise is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Lotus Elise (116 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 60 more horse power than 1977 Triumph Spitfire. (56 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 1977 Triumph Spitfire. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1977 Triumph Spitfire weights approximately 110 kg more than 1998 Lotus Elise.
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 Lotus Elise (165 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 65 more torque (in Nm) than 1977 Triumph Spitfire. (100 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1998 Lotus Elise will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1977 Triumph Spitfire.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Lotus Elise | 1977 Triumph Spitfire | |
| Make | Lotus | Triumph |
| Model | Elise | Spitfire |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1977 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 1492 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 116 HP | 56 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 165 Nm | 100 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 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 | 705 kg | 815 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3730 mm | 3790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1450 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1210 mm | 1210 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2110 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 40 L | 33 L |
