2004 BMW 120 vs. 1981 Triumph TR7
To start off, 2004 BMW 120 is newer by 23 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, 2004 BMW 120 (120 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 29 more horse power than 1981 Triumph TR7. (91 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2004 BMW 120 should accelerate faster than 1981 Triumph TR7. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 BMW 120 weights approximately 370 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, 2004 BMW 120 (285 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 74 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Triumph TR7. (211 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2004 BMW 120 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Triumph TR7.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 BMW 120 | 1981 Triumph TR7 | |
| Make | BMW | Triumph |
| Model | 120 | TR7 |
| Year Released | 2004 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1971 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 120 HP | 91 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 285 Nm | 211 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1385 kg | 1015 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 | 50 L | 55 L |
