2005 BMW 316 vs. 1979 Triumph Spitfire
To start off, 2005 BMW 316 is newer by 26 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 1,794 cc (4 cylinders), 2005 BMW 316 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 BMW 316 (113 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 42 more horse power than 1979 Triumph Spitfire. (71 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2005 BMW 316 should accelerate faster than 1979 Triumph Spitfire. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 BMW 316 weights approximately 560 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, 2005 BMW 316 (175 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 64 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Triumph Spitfire. (111 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2005 BMW 316 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Triumph Spitfire.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 BMW 316 | 1979 Triumph Spitfire | |
| Make | BMW | Triumph |
| Model | 316 | Spitfire |
| Year Released | 2005 | 1979 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1794 cc | 1493 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 113 HP | 71 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 175 Nm | 111 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 73.7 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 81 mm | 87.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1375 kg | 815 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4270 mm | 3740 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1450 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1210 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2110 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 33 L |
