2009 Fiat Panda vs. 1979 Triumph Spitfire
To start off, 2009 Fiat Panda 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 1,493 cc (4 cylinders), 1979 Triumph Spitfire is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1979 Triumph Spitfire (71 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 2 more horse power than 2009 Fiat Panda. (69 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1979 Triumph Spitfire should accelerate faster than 2009 Fiat Panda. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Fiat Panda weights approximately 325 kg more than 1979 Triumph Spitfire.
Because 2009 Fiat Panda is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1979 Triumph Spitfire. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 Fiat Panda will offer significantly more control. 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 Fiat Panda (180 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 69 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Triumph Spitfire. (111 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2009 Fiat Panda will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Triumph Spitfire.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Fiat Panda | 1979 Triumph Spitfire | |
| Make | Fiat | Triumph |
| Model | Panda | Spitfire |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1979 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1248 cc | 1493 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 69 HP | 71 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 180 Nm | 111 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1750 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 69.6 mm | 73.7 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82 mm | 87.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 18.0:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1140 kg | 815 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3540 mm | 3740 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1600 mm | 1450 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1640 mm | 1210 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2110 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 35 L | 33 L |
