2004 Mercedes-Benz SL vs. 1979 Triumph Spitfire
To start off, 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 25 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 3,722 cc (6 cylinders), 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL (242 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 171 more horse power than 1979 Triumph Spitfire. (71 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1979 Triumph Spitfire. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 940 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, 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL (350 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 239 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Triumph Spitfire. (111 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Triumph Spitfire.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL | 1979 Triumph Spitfire | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Triumph |
| Model | SL | Spitfire |
| Year Released | 2004 | 1979 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3722 cc | 1493 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 242 HP | 71 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 350 Nm | 111 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 97 mm | 73.7 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84 mm | 87.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1755 kg | 815 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4540 mm | 3740 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1450 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1210 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2110 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 33 L |
