2005 Ford Ka vs. 1979 Triumph Spitfire
To start off, 2005 Ford Ka 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 1,493 cc (4 cylinders), 1979 Triumph Spitfire is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Ford Ka (73 HP @ 6150 RPM) has 2 more horse power than 1979 Triumph Spitfire. (71 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2005 Ford Ka should accelerate faster than 1979 Triumph Spitfire. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Ford Ka weights approximately 55 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, 2005 Ford Ka, 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, 1979 Triumph Spitfire (111 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 1 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Ford Ka. (110 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1979 Triumph Spitfire will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Ford Ka.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Ford Ka | 1979 Triumph Spitfire | |
| Make | Ford | Triumph |
| Model | Ka | Spitfire |
| Year Released | 2005 | 1979 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1294 cc | 1493 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 73 HP | 71 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6150 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 110 Nm | 111 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 74.1 mm | 73.7 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75.5 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 | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 870 kg | 815 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3630 mm | 3740 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1640 mm | 1450 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1210 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2620 mm | 2110 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 42 L | 33 L |
