2009 Citroen C5 vs. 1979 Triumph Spitfire
To start off, 2009 Citroen C5 is newer by 30 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 2,179 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Citroen C5 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Citroen C5 (131 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 60 more horse power than 1979 Triumph Spitfire. (71 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Citroen C5 should accelerate faster than 1979 Triumph Spitfire. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Citroen C5 weights approximately 745 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, 2009 Citroen C5, 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, 2009 Citroen C5 (314 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 203 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Triumph Spitfire. (111 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2009 Citroen C5 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Triumph Spitfire.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Citroen C5 | 1979 Triumph Spitfire | |
| Make | Citroen | Triumph |
| Model | C5 | Spitfire |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1979 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2179 cc | 1493 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 131 HP | 71 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 314 Nm | 111 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 85 mm | 73.7 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 96 mm | 87.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 18.0:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | 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 | 1560 kg | 815 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4620 mm | 3740 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1450 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1480 mm | 1210 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2760 mm | 2110 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 68 L | 33 L |
