1981 BMW 520 vs. 1981 Triumph TR7
To start off, both 1981 BMW 520 and 1981 Triumph TR7 were released in the same year (1981). Therefore the support and the availability on parts for both vehicles should be relatively similar. At 1,998 cc (4 cylinders), 1981 Triumph TR7 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 BMW 520 (123 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 19 more horse power than 1981 Triumph TR7. (104 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1981 BMW 520 should accelerate faster than 1981 Triumph TR7. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 BMW 520 weights approximately 175 kg more than 1981 Triumph TR7. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 1981 BMW 520 (170 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 9 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Triumph TR7. (161 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1981 BMW 520 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Triumph TR7.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 BMW 520 | 1981 Triumph TR7 | |
| Make | BMW | Triumph |
| Model | 520 | TR7 |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1991 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 123 HP | 104 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 170 Nm | 161 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 90.3 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 66 mm | 78 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.8:1 | 9.3:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1220 kg | 1045 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4630 mm | 4070 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1270 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2170 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 55 L |
