2005 Fiat Panda vs. 1980 Triumph Spitfire
To start off, 2005 Fiat Panda is newer by 25 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Triumph Spitfire. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Triumph Spitfire would be higher. At 1,493 cc (4 cylinders), 1980 Triumph Spitfire is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1980 Triumph Spitfire (71 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 17 more horse power than 2005 Fiat Panda. (54 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1980 Triumph Spitfire should accelerate faster than 2005 Fiat Panda. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Fiat Panda weights approximately 25 kg more than 1980 Triumph Spitfire.
Because 1980 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 1980 Triumph Spitfire. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2005 Fiat Panda, 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, 1980 Triumph Spitfire (111 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 23 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Fiat Panda. (88 Nm @ 2750 RPM). This means 1980 Triumph Spitfire will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Fiat Panda.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Fiat Panda | 1980 Triumph Spitfire | |
| Make | Fiat | Triumph |
| Model | Panda | Spitfire |
| Year Released | 2005 | 1980 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1108 cc | 1493 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 54 HP | 71 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 88 Nm | 111 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2750 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 840 kg | 815 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3540 mm | 3740 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1580 mm | 1450 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1550 mm | 1210 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2110 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 35 L | 33 L |
