1998 BMW 317 vs. 1999 TVR Speed 12
To start off, 1999 TVR Speed 12 is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 BMW 317. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 BMW 317 would be higher. At 7,728 cc (12 cylinders), 1999 TVR Speed 12 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 TVR Speed 12 (790 HP @ 7750 RPM) has 701 more horse power than 1998 BMW 317. (89 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1999 TVR Speed 12 should accelerate faster than 1998 BMW 317. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 BMW 317 weights approximately 355 kg more than 1999 TVR Speed 12.
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, 1999 TVR Speed 12 (881 Nm @ 5750 RPM) has 691 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 BMW 317. (190 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1999 TVR Speed 12 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 BMW 317.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 BMW 317 | 1999 TVR Speed 12 | |
| Make | BMW | TVR |
| Model | 317 | Speed 12 |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1999 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1665 cc | 7728 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 89 HP | 790 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 7750 RPM |
| Torque | 190 Nm | 881 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 5750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1355 kg | 1000 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 4310 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1970 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1110 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2570 mm |
