2009 Toyota Yaris vs. 1978 Triumph Spitfire
To start off, 2009 Toyota Yaris is newer by 31 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Triumph Spitfire. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Triumph Spitfire would be higher. At 1,496 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Toyota Yaris is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Toyota Yaris (106 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 50 more horse power than 1978 Triumph Spitfire. (56 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Toyota Yaris should accelerate faster than 1978 Triumph Spitfire. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Toyota Yaris weights approximately 869 kg more than 1978 Triumph Spitfire. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1978 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 1978 Triumph Spitfire. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 Toyota Yaris, 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 Toyota Yaris (141 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 40 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Triumph Spitfire. (101 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2009 Toyota Yaris will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Triumph Spitfire.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Toyota Yaris | 1978 Triumph Spitfire | |
| Make | Toyota | Triumph |
| Model | Yaris | Spitfire |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1978 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1496 cc | 1493 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 106 HP | 56 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 141 Nm | 101 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1684 kg | 815 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4310 mm | 3740 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1450 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1210 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2560 mm | 2110 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 42 L | 33 L |
