2002 BMW Z4 vs. 1979 Triumph Spitfire
To start off, 2002 BMW Z4 is newer by 23 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 2,996 cc (6 cylinders), 2002 BMW Z4 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 BMW Z4 (227 HP @ 5900 RPM) has 156 more horse power than 1979 Triumph Spitfire. (71 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2002 BMW Z4 should accelerate faster than 1979 Triumph Spitfire. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 BMW Z4 weights approximately 571 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.
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, 2002 BMW Z4 (300 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 189 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Triumph Spitfire. (111 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2002 BMW Z4 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Triumph Spitfire. 2002 BMW Z4 has automatic transmission and 1979 Triumph Spitfire has manual transmission. 1979 Triumph Spitfire will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2002 BMW Z4 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 BMW Z4 | 1979 Triumph Spitfire | |
| Make | BMW | Triumph |
| Model | Z4 | Spitfire |
| Year Released | 2002 | 1979 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2996 cc | 1493 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 227 HP | 71 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5900 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 300 Nm | 111 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 73.7 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89.6 mm | 87.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.2:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1386 kg | 815 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4100 mm | 3740 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1450 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1310 mm | 1210 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2500 mm | 2110 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 33 L |
