1998 Mercedes-Benz E vs. 1978 Triumph Spitfire
To start off, 1998 Mercedes-Benz E 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 1,998 cc (4 cylinders), 1998 Mercedes-Benz E is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Mercedes-Benz E (134 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 78 more horse power than 1978 Triumph Spitfire. (56 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 Mercedes-Benz E should accelerate faster than 1978 Triumph Spitfire. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Mercedes-Benz E weights approximately 745 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 Mercedes-Benz E (191 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 90 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Triumph Spitfire. (101 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1998 Mercedes-Benz E will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Triumph Spitfire.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Mercedes-Benz E | 1978 Triumph Spitfire | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Triumph |
| Model | E | Spitfire |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1998 cc | 1493 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 134 HP | 56 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 191 Nm | 101 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1560 kg | 815 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4830 mm | 3740 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1450 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1210 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2110 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 33 L |
