2001 BMW 318 vs. 1981 Triumph TR7
To start off, 2001 BMW 318 is newer by 20 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Triumph TR7. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Triumph TR7 would be higher. At 1,998 cc (4 cylinders), 1981 Triumph TR7 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 BMW 318 (113 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 22 more horse power than 1981 Triumph TR7. (91 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2001 BMW 318 should accelerate faster than 1981 Triumph TR7. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 BMW 318 weights approximately 285 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 Triumph TR7 (211 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 44 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 BMW 318. (167 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 1981 Triumph TR7 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 BMW 318.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 BMW 318 | 1981 Triumph TR7 | |
| Make | BMW | Triumph |
| Model | 318 | TR7 |
| Year Released | 2001 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 113 HP | 91 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 167 Nm | 211 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1300 kg | 1015 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4270 mm | 4070 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1270 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2740 mm | 2170 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 67 L | 55 L |
