1980 BMW 316 vs. 1997 TVR Griffith
To start off, 1997 TVR Griffith is newer by 17 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 BMW 316. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 BMW 316 would be higher. At 3,946 cc (8 cylinders), 1997 TVR Griffith is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 TVR Griffith (225 HP @ 5250 RPM) has 136 more horse power than 1980 BMW 316. (89 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 TVR Griffith should accelerate faster than 1980 BMW 316. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1980 BMW 316 weights approximately 8 kg more than 1997 TVR Griffith.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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, 1997 TVR Griffith (373 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 249 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 BMW 316. (124 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1997 TVR Griffith will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 BMW 316.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 BMW 316 | 1997 TVR Griffith | |
| Make | BMW | TVR |
| Model | 316 | Griffith |
| Year Released | 1980 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1573 cc | 3946 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 89 HP | 225 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Torque | 124 Nm | 373 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1070 kg | 1062 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4330 mm | 3910 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1200 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2290 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 58 L | 57 L |
