UK vs West Germany — 1962 vs 1965
| Spitfire Mk IV 1500 | 912 Coupe | |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 71 hp | 90 hp |
| Torque | 85 lb-ft | 89 lb-ft |
| Engine Size | 1,493 cc | 1,582 cc |
| 0-60 mph | 13.2 sec | 11.6 sec |
| Top Speed | 100 mph | 115 mph |
| ¼ Mile | 19.0 sec | 18.0 sec |
| Weight | 1,680 lbs | 2,128 lbs |
| Wheelbase | 2,108 mm | 2,268 mm |
| Length | 3,759 mm | 4,163 mm |
| Units Produced | 314,332 | 30,300 |
| Original MSRP | $2,749 | $4,790 |
| Value (Excellent) | $22,000 | $120,000 |
| Collectibility | 6/10 | 7/10 |
| Rarity | 3/10 | 5/10 |
Numbers favor the 1965 Porsche 912 Coupe with more power, quicker acceleration, higher top speed. The 1962 Triumph Spitfire Mk IV 1500 offers lighter weight, better value, and has its own devoted following. For those who let their heart decide, either car delivers a rewarding ownership experience.
The rivalry between UK and West Germany automotive industries has produced legendary matchups, and the 1962 Triumph Spitfire Mk IV 1500 versus 1965 Porsche 912 Coupe is among the most fascinating. These two cars represent the best of their national engineering schools. On paper, the two are remarkably close in power output, with the 1962 Triumph Spitfire Mk IV 1500 producing 71 hp and the 1965 Porsche 912 Coupe delivering 90 hp. Under the hood, the contrast is notable: the Triumph Spitfire uses a Inline-4 OHV displacing 1,493 cc, while the Porsche 912 relies on a Flat-4 OHV with 1,582 cc. In the sprint to 60 mph, the 1965 Porsche 912 Coupe edges ahead at 11.6 seconds versus 13.2 seconds. The Triumph Spitfire carries a weight advantage, tipping the scales 448 lbs lighter. Rarity plays a significant role here — with only 30,300 units built, the 1965 Porsche 912 Coupe is considerably scarcer than the Triumph Spitfire's 314,332 examples. On the collector market, the 1965 Porsche 912 Coupe commands a significant premium over the 1962 Triumph Spitfire Mk IV 1500, reflecting differences in prestige and rarity.