2006 BMW M3 vs. 1978 Triumph TR7
To start off, 2006 BMW M3 is newer by 28 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 3,245 cc (6 cylinders), 2006 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 BMW M3 (338 HP @ 7900 RPM) has 232 more horse power than 1978 Triumph TR7. (106 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 1978 Triumph TR7. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 BMW M3 weights approximately 790 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, 2006 BMW M3 (365 Nm @ 4900 RPM) has 203 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Triumph TR7. (162 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2006 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Triumph TR7.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 BMW M3 | 1978 Triumph TR7 | |
| Make | BMW | Triumph |
| Model | M3 | TR7 |
| Year Released | 2006 | 1978 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3245 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 338 HP | 106 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7900 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 365 Nm | 162 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4900 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87 mm | 90.3 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 91 mm | 78 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1835 kg | 1045 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4500 mm | 4070 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1270 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2740 mm | 2170 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 55 L |
