UK vs UK — 1962 vs 1963
| Spitfire Mk IV 1500 | Herald 1200 Convertible | |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 71 hp | 39 hp |
| Torque | 85 lb-ft | 55 lb-ft |
| Engine Size | 1,493 cc | 1,147 cc |
| 0-60 mph | 13.2 sec | 22.2 sec |
| Top Speed | 100 mph | 78 mph |
| ¼ Mile | 19.0 sec | — |
| Weight | 1,680 lbs | 1,848 lbs |
| Wheelbase | 2,108 mm | 2,311 mm |
| Length | 3,759 mm | 3,886 mm |
| Units Produced | 314,332 | 523,000 |
| Original MSRP | $2,749 | $1,699 |
| Value (Excellent) | $22,000 | $20,000 |
| Collectibility | 6/10 | 5/10 |
| Rarity | 3/10 | 3/10 |
On balance, the 1962 Triumph Spitfire Mk IV 1500 makes a stronger case on paper with more power, quicker acceleration, higher top speed. However, the 1963 Triumph Herald 1200 Convertible counters with better value, and its appeal extends beyond mere numbers. Choose the 1962 Triumph Spitfire Mk IV 1500 for outright capability, or the 1963 Triumph Herald 1200 Convertible for a more distinctive ownership experience.
Triumph has long offered a diverse lineup, and comparing the 1962 Triumph Spitfire Mk IV 1500 with the 1963 Triumph Herald 1200 Convertible highlights the breadth of the marque's engineering philosophy. The 1962 Triumph Spitfire Mk IV 1500 holds a clear advantage in raw power with 71 hp compared to 39 hp, a 32-horsepower difference that shapes the driving experience. In the sprint to 60 mph, the 1962 Triumph Spitfire Mk IV 1500 edges ahead at 13.2 seconds versus 22.2 seconds. Each of these machines offers a unique window into the era that produced it, making both worthy of consideration by collectors and drivers alike.