2009 Dodge Nitro vs. 1980 Triumph Spitfire
To start off, 2009 Dodge Nitro is newer by 29 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 3,701 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 Dodge Nitro is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Dodge Nitro (202 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 131 more horse power than 1980 Triumph Spitfire. (71 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Dodge Nitro should accelerate faster than 1980 Triumph Spitfire. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Dodge Nitro weights approximately 1145 kg more than 1980 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, 2009 Dodge Nitro (314 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 203 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Triumph Spitfire. (111 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2009 Dodge Nitro will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Triumph Spitfire. 2009 Dodge Nitro has automatic transmission and 1980 Triumph Spitfire has manual transmission. 1980 Triumph Spitfire will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 Dodge Nitro will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Dodge Nitro | 1980 Triumph Spitfire | |
| Make | Dodge | Triumph |
| Model | Nitro | Spitfire |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1980 |
| Body Type | SUV | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3701 cc | 1493 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 202 HP | 71 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 314 Nm | 111 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.6:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1960 kg | 815 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4590 mm | 3740 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1450 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1590 mm | 1210 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2110 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 74 L | 33 L |
