2001 Honda Civic vs. 1979 Triumph Spitfire
To start off, 2001 Honda Civic is newer by 22 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Triumph Spitfire. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Triumph Spitfire would be higher. At 1,672 cc (4 cylinders), 2001 Honda Civic is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Honda Civic (118 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 47 more horse power than 1979 Triumph Spitfire. (71 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2001 Honda Civic should accelerate faster than 1979 Triumph Spitfire. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Honda Civic weights approximately 265 kg more than 1979 Triumph Spitfire. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1979 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 1979 Triumph Spitfire. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2001 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, 2001 Honda Civic (153 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 42 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Triumph Spitfire. (111 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2001 Honda Civic will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Triumph Spitfire.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 Honda Civic | 1979 Triumph Spitfire | |
| Make | Honda | Triumph |
| Model | Civic | Spitfire |
| Year Released | 2001 | 1979 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1672 cc | 1493 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 118 HP | 71 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 153 Nm | 111 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 75 mm | 73.7 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 94.4 mm | 87.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1080 kg | 815 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 3740 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1450 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1210 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2110 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 33 L |
