2007 BMW 120 vs. 1978 Triumph TR7
To start off, 2007 BMW 120 is newer by 29 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, 2007 BMW 120 (154 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 50 more horse power than 1978 Triumph TR7. (104 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2007 BMW 120 should accelerate faster than 1978 Triumph TR7. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 BMW 120 weights approximately 292 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, 2007 BMW 120 (330 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 169 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Triumph TR7. (161 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2007 BMW 120 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Triumph TR7.
Compare all specifications:
| 2007 BMW 120 | 1978 Triumph TR7 | |
| Make | BMW | Triumph |
| Model | 120 | TR7 |
| Year Released | 2007 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 154 HP | 104 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 330 Nm | 161 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 90.3 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 78 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 17.0:1 | 9.3:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | 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 | 1340 kg | 1048 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4230 mm | 4070 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1440 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1760 mm | 1270 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2170 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 55 L |
