Triumph TR4: Which Version to Buy and Why
The Triumph TR4 catalogue data presents two closely related 2.1 MT Roadsters: the original first-generation version built from 1961 to 1965 and the restyled first-generation version built from 1965 to 1967.
The Triumph TR4 catalogue data presents two closely related 2.1 MT Roadsters: the original first-generation version built from 1961 to 1965 and the restyled first-generation version built from 1965 to 1967. Both use a 2,138 cc Gasoline engine, a 4-speed Manual gearbox, and RWD, but the restyled car offers 104 hp instead of 100 hp and independent rear suspension instead of a dependent, leaf-spring arrangement. The original is lighter at 1,010 kg and is the only version with a measured 0–100 km/h time: 11 seconds. The best choice therefore depends less on engine size or top speed—which are identical—and more on whether the buyer prioritizes lower weight and recorded acceleration data or the restyled version’s extra power and revised rear suspension.
Triumph TR4 generations and versions
Although the catalogue contains two production entries, both belong to the first generation. The distinction is between the original model and its restyling, not between two separate generations.
The original 1 generation ran from 1961 to 1965. It was offered as a Roadster with one listed version, 2.1 MT. This version has 100 hp, 172 Nm, a 1,010 kg kerb weight, independent spring front suspension, and dependent leaf-spring rear suspension.
The 1 generation, restyling ran from 1965 to 1967. It remained a Roadster and also has one listed version named 2.1 MT. To distinguish it from the earlier car with the same version name, this is the 104 hp 2.1 MT. Its other defining figures are 172 Nm, a 1,035 kg kerb weight, and independent spring suspension at both the front and rear.
Triumph TR4 engine specs compared
Both versions use the same basic specification: a 2,138 cc Gasoline engine with 4 Inline cylinders, 2 valves per cylinder, no boost, and Carburetor fuel delivery. The engine is mounted Front, longitudinal. Both also have a compression ratio of 9 and a bore and stroke of 86 × 92 mm.
| Generation and version | Power | Torque | Displacement | Fuel | Cylinders and layout | Boost | Gearbox | Drive |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1961–1965 1 generation, 2.1 MT | 100 hp (74 kW) at 4,600 rpm | 172 Nm at 3,350 rpm | 2,138 cc | Gasoline, 76 | 4, Inline | No | 4-speed Manual | RWD |
| 1965–1967 1 generation, restyling, 2.1 MT | 104 hp (76 kW) at 4,700 rpm | 172 Nm at 3,350 rpm | 2,138 cc | Gasoline, 76 | 4, Inline | No | 4-speed Manual | RWD |
The restyled 2.1 MT adds 4 hp and 2 kW without changing displacement or peak torque. Its output is approximately 48.6 hp per litre, compared with approximately 46.8 hp per litre for the original 2.1 MT. That is an improvement of about 1.9 hp per litre.
The extra power also arrives 100 rpm later: 104 hp at 4,700 rpm rather than 100 hp at 4,600 rpm. Torque output does not separate the two cars, because both produce 172 Nm at 3,350 rpm. Buyers comparing Triumph TR4 engine size or torque specs therefore receive no numerical advantage from choosing either production period: displacement, torque, torque speed, cylinder configuration, compression ratio, bore and stroke, fuel system, and boost status are the same in the supplied data.
Triumph TR4 performance, top speed, and economy
| Generation and version | 0–100 km/h | Top speed | City consumption | Highway consumption | Combined consumption |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1961–1965 1 generation, 2.1 MT | 11 seconds | 176 km/h | not measured | not measured | not measured |
| 1965–1967 1 generation, restyling, 2.1 MT | not measured | 176 km/h | not measured | not measured | not measured |
Both versions have the same measured top speed of 176 km/h. The original 100 hp 2.1 MT reaches 100 km/h in 11 seconds. Acceleration for the restyled 104 hp 2.1 MT is not measured, so its additional power should not be turned into an unsupported acceleration claim.
Fuel consumption is not measured for either version in city, highway, or combined driving. CO₂ output and environmental class are also not measured for both cars. Consequently, the data does not establish an economy advantage for either version.
Triumph TR4 dimensions, weight, and capacity
Overall dimensions, ground clearance, wheel sizes, and gross weight are not measured for either 2.1 MT. The useful comparison is therefore limited to kerb weight and the available fuel-tank figure.
| Generation and version | Kerb weight | Gross weight | Ground clearance | Fuel tank | Wheel sizes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1961–1965 1 generation, 2.1 MT | 1,010 kg | not measured | not measured | not measured | not measured |
| 1965–1967 1 generation, restyling, 2.1 MT | 1,035 kg | not measured | not measured | 53 litres | not measured |
The restyled 2.1 MT is 25 kg heavier, an increase of approximately 2.5% over the original car. Despite its extra 4 hp, it has almost the same weight-to-power figure: approximately 10.0 kg per hp, versus 10.1 kg per hp for the original 2.1 MT. The restyled car is ahead by only about 0.1 kg per hp.
The original 2.1 MT has approximately 99.0 hp per tonne based on its kerb weight, while the restyled 2.1 MT has approximately 100.5 hp per tonne. This small numerical advantage favors the restyled version, but its measured top speed remains the same 176 km/h.
The restyled car has a measured 53-litre fuel tank. Tank capacity for the original is not measured, so the catalogue cannot support a capacity or driving-range comparison.
Triumph TR4 suspension and brakes: what changed?
The most substantial recorded change is in the rear suspension. Both versions use Independent, spring front suspension, Disc front brakes, and Drum rear brakes. The original 2.1 MT has Dependent, leaf spring rear suspension, whereas the restyled 2.1 MT changes to Independent, spring rear suspension.
This suspension difference is more significant on paper than the engine-output change. The restyled version gains independent rear suspension along with 4 hp, while retaining the same 172 Nm, 4-speed Manual transmission, RWD layout, brake types, and 176 km/h top speed. Its tradeoff is a 25 kg increase in kerb weight.
Which Triumph TR4 version should you buy?
Choose the 1961–1965 2.1 MT with 100 hp if lower kerb weight is the priority. At 1,010 kg, it is 25 kg lighter than the restyled car, and it is the only version here with measured acceleration: 0–100 km/h in 11 seconds. Its 176 km/h top speed matches the later version. It is also the appropriate choice for a buyer specifically seeking the Dependent, leaf spring rear-suspension specification.
Choose the 1965–1967 restyled 2.1 MT with 104 hp if the revised chassis specification matters most. It provides 4 hp more from the same 2,138 cc displacement, improves specific output by about 1.9 hp per litre, and changes the rear suspension to Independent, spring. It also has the slightly better calculated weight-to-power ratio, despite weighing 1,035 kg. Its 53-litre tank is measured, while the earlier car’s tank capacity is not measured.
The restyled 2.1 MT is the stronger all-round selection from the available specifications because it combines the higher 104 hp output with independent spring suspension at both ends. The original 100 hp 2.1 MT remains the more compelling alternative when a 25 kg lower kerb weight, a documented 11-second 0–100 km/h time, or the earlier dependent leaf-spring rear arrangement is the deciding factor. Prices, availability, parts supply, reliability, and repair condition are not measured in the supplied data, so they cannot be used to determine whether either version represents better value for money.