Which Triumph Spitfire Version Should You Buy?
Choosing among the Triumph Spitfire versions in this catalogue comes down to three priorities: low kerb weight, stronger acceleration, or greater engine torque. The second-generation 1.3 MT has the quickest measured 0–100 km/h time at 12.5 seconds and the best weight-to-power result at about 10.0 kg per hp.
Choosing among the Triumph Spitfire versions in this catalogue comes down to three priorities: low kerb weight, stronger acceleration, or greater engine torque. The second-generation 1.3 MT has the quickest measured 0–100 km/h time at 12.5 seconds and the best weight-to-power result at about 10.0 kg per hp. The third-generation 1.3 MT is the lightest at 711 kg and produces the highest output at 76 hp. The fifth-generation 1500 1.5 MT has the largest engine at 1,493 cc and the most torque at 111 Nm, but its 815 kg kerb weight gives it the highest weight per horsepower. All listed versions are Roadsters with a front, longitudinal Gasoline engine, a 4-speed Manual gearbox and RWD.
Triumph Spitfire generations compared
The second generation was produced from 1965 to 1967 as a Roadster and offers two versions: 1.2 MT and 1.3 MT. This is the only listed generation that provides an engine choice. The 1.2 MT has 68 hp, 91 Nm and a 1,147 cc engine, while the 1.3 MT raises those figures to 75 hp, 102 Nm and 1,296 cc. Both versions use an Inline 4-cylinder engine with 2 valves per cylinder, No boost and a Carburetor. Their front suspension is Independent, spring, while the rear is Dependent, leaf spring.
The third generation was produced from 1967 to 1970 as a Roadster and has one version, 1.3 MT. Compared with the second-generation 1.3 MT, it gains 1 hp while retaining 102 Nm and 1,296 cc. Its kerb weight falls from 748 kg to 711 kg, a reduction of 37 kg. The rear suspension changes from Dependent, leaf spring to Independent, spring, matching the Independent, spring front suspension.
The fifth generation was produced from 1974 to 1980 as a Roadster and has one version, 1500 1.5 MT. Its 1,493 cc engine is 197 cc larger than either 1.3 MT engine and delivers 111 Nm, which is 9 Nm more than their 102 Nm. Output is 72 hp, however, and kerb weight rises to 815 kg. This version has Dependent, spring front suspension and Independent, leaf spring rear suspension.
Triumph Spitfire engine and specs
| Generation and version | Power | Torque | Displacement | Fuel | Cylinders | Layout | Boost | Gearbox | Drive |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Second generation 1.2 MT | 68 hp at 6,000 rpm | 91 Nm at 3,750 rpm | 1,147 cc | Gasoline, 76 | 4 | Inline | No | 4-speed Manual | RWD |
| Second generation 1.3 MT | 75 hp at 6,000 rpm | 102 Nm at 4,000 rpm | 1,296 cc | Gasoline, 76 | 4 | Inline | No | 4-speed Manual | RWD |
| Third generation 1.3 MT | 76 hp at 6,000 rpm | 102 Nm at 4,000 rpm | 1,296 cc | Gasoline; grade not measured | 4 | Inline | No | 4-speed Manual | RWD |
| Fifth generation 1500 1.5 MT | 72 hp at 5,500 rpm | 111 Nm at 3,000 rpm | 1,493 cc | Gasoline, 92 | 4 | Inline | not measured | 4-speed Manual | RWD |
The two 1.3 MT versions have the strongest power per litre: approximately 57.9 hp per litre for the second-generation 75 hp car and 58.6 hp per litre for the third-generation 76 hp car. The 1.2 MT produces approximately 59.3 hp per litre, while the 1500 1.5 MT produces approximately 48.2 hp per litre. Although 1500 1.5 MT has the lowest specific output, it reaches its 111 Nm torque peak at 3,000 rpm—750 rpm earlier than 1.2 MT and 1,000 rpm earlier than either 1.3 MT.
Every version uses a Carburetor and a compression ratio of 9. Bore and stroke are 69.3 × 76 mm for 1.2 MT, 73.7 × 76 mm for both 1.3 MT versions, and 73.7 × 87.5 mm for 1500 1.5 MT.
Triumph Spitfire performance and economy
| Generation and version | 0–100 km/h | Top speed | City consumption | Highway consumption | Combined consumption |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Second generation 1.2 MT | not measured | 153 km/h | not measured | not measured | not measured |
| Second generation 1.3 MT | 12.5 seconds | 160 km/h | not measured | not measured | not measured |
| Third generation 1.3 MT | 13.6 seconds | 161 km/h | not measured | not measured | not measured |
| Fifth generation 1500 1.5 MT | 13.2 seconds | 160 km/h | not measured | not measured | not measured |
Among versions with measured acceleration, the second-generation 1.3 MT is quickest to 100 km/h. It is 0.7 seconds quicker than 1500 1.5 MT and 1.1 seconds quicker than the third-generation 1.3 MT. The third-generation 1.3 MT has the highest top speed at 161 km/h, only 1 km/h above the two versions rated at 160 km/h. The second-generation 1.2 MT is 7 km/h slower than those versions, at 153 km/h.
City, highway and combined fuel-consumption figures are not measured for any listed Triumph Spitfire version. CO₂ output and eco class are also not measured, so the data cannot support a fuel-economy or emissions-based recommendation.
Triumph Spitfire dimensions, weight and capacity
Exterior length, width and height are not measured for any of these versions. Ground clearance and wheel sizes are also not measured.
| Generation and version | Kerb weight | Gross weight | Tank | Ground clearance | Wheel sizes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Second generation 1.2 MT | 735 kg | not measured | 37 L | not measured | not measured |
| Second generation 1.3 MT | 748 kg | 925 kg | 37 L | not measured | not measured |
| Third generation 1.3 MT | 711 kg | not measured | 40 L | not measured | not measured |
| Fifth generation 1500 1.5 MT | 815 kg | not measured | 33 L | not measured | not measured |
The third-generation 1.3 MT is the lightest choice. It weighs 24 kg less than the second-generation 1.2 MT, 37 kg less than the second-generation 1.3 MT and 104 kg less than 1500 1.5 MT. It also has the largest tank at 40 L: 3 L more than either second-generation version and 7 L more than 1500 1.5 MT.
Weight per horsepower further separates the choices. The third-generation 1.3 MT carries about 9.4 kg per hp, compared with approximately 10.0 kg per hp for the second-generation 1.3 MT, 10.8 kg per hp for 1.2 MT and 11.3 kg per hp for 1500 1.5 MT. Weight distribution and engine weight are not measured.
All versions use Disc front brakes and Drum rear brakes.
Which Triumph Spitfire version to buy and why
Choose the second-generation 1.3 MT if measured acceleration is the priority. It records the quickest 0–100 km/h result at 12.5 seconds, offers 7 hp and 11 Nm more than the same generation’s 1.2 MT, and adds 149 cc of displacement. The trade-off is 13 kg of additional kerb weight, while both versions retain the same 37 L tank, suspension arrangement and 4-speed Manual transmission.
Choose the third-generation 1.3 MT for the strongest overall balance of power and low weight. Relative to the earlier 1.3 MT, it offers 1 hp more, weighs 37 kg less and adds 3 L of tank capacity. It also changes the rear suspension from Dependent, leaf spring to Independent, spring. Its measured 13.6-second acceleration is slower, however, despite the improved weight-to-power figure.
Choose 1500 1.5 MT if torque and engine capacity matter more than minimum weight. It provides the catalogue’s largest displacement at 1,493 cc and highest torque at 111 Nm, with the torque peak arriving at 3,000 rpm. Against the third-generation 1.3 MT, it adds 197 cc and 9 Nm but gives up 4 hp, adds 104 kg and carries 7 L less fuel.
Choose the second-generation 1.2 MT only when its particular specification is preferred over the stronger alternatives. It is 13 kg lighter than its same-generation 1.3 MT, but the 1.3 MT supplies 7 additional hp, 11 additional Nm and a 7 km/h higher top speed. Because prices, condition, parts availability, reliability and repair history are not provided, no purchase recommendation can be made on those factors. Based strictly on the measured specifications, the second-generation 1.3 MT is the acceleration choice, the third-generation 1.3 MT is the lightweight choice, and 1500 1.5 MT is the torque choice.