2009 Lexus IS vs. 1980 Triumph Spitfire
To start off, 2009 Lexus IS 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 3,454 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 Lexus IS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Lexus IS (306 HP @ 6400 RPM) has 235 more horse power than 1980 Triumph Spitfire. (71 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Lexus IS should accelerate faster than 1980 Triumph Spitfire. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Lexus IS weights approximately 925 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 Lexus IS (376 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 265 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Triumph Spitfire. (111 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2009 Lexus IS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Triumph Spitfire. 2009 Lexus IS 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 Lexus IS will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Lexus IS | 1980 Triumph Spitfire | |
| Make | Lexus | Triumph |
| Model | IS | Spitfire |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1980 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3454 cc | 1493 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 306 HP | 71 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6400 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 376 Nm | 111 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.8:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1740 kg | 815 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4590 mm | 3740 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1450 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1210 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2740 mm | 2110 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 65 L | 33 L |
