2004 BMW 116 vs. 1978 Triumph TR7
To start off, 2004 BMW 116 is newer by 26 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Triumph TR7. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Triumph TR7 would be higher. At 1,998 cc (4 cylinders), 1978 Triumph TR7 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 BMW 116 (115 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 11 more horse power than 1978 Triumph TR7. (104 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2004 BMW 116 should accelerate faster than 1978 Triumph TR7. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 BMW 116 weights approximately 232 kg more than 1978 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, 1978 Triumph TR7 (161 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 8 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 BMW 116. (153 Nm @ 4300 RPM). This means 1978 Triumph TR7 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 BMW 116.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 BMW 116 | 1978 Triumph TR7 | |
| Make | BMW | Triumph |
| Model | 116 | TR7 |
| Year Released | 2004 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1596 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 115 HP | 104 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 153 Nm | 161 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4300 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 90.3 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72 mm | 78 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1280 kg | 1048 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4230 mm | 4070 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1270 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2170 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 55 L |
