2007 BMW 120 vs. 1985 TVR 390
To start off, 2007 BMW 120 is newer by 22 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1985 TVR 390. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1985 TVR 390 would be higher. At 3,905 cc (8 cylinders), 1985 TVR 390 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1985 TVR 390 (275 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 121 more horse power than 2007 BMW 120. (154 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1985 TVR 390 should accelerate faster than 2007 BMW 120. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 BMW 120 weights approximately 243 kg more than 1985 TVR 390.
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, 1985 TVR 390 (367 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 36 more torque (in Nm) than 2007 BMW 120. (331 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1985 TVR 390 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2007 BMW 120. 2007 BMW 120 has automatic transmission and 1985 TVR 390 has manual transmission. 1985 TVR 390 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2007 BMW 120 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2007 BMW 120 | 1985 TVR 390 | |
| Make | BMW | TVR |
| Model | 120 | 390 |
| Year Released | 2007 | 1985 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 3905 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 154 HP | 275 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 331 Nm | 367 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 89.8 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 77.1 mm |
| Top Speed | 215 km/hour | 232 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1350 kg | 1107 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4230 mm | 4020 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1440 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1760 mm | 1210 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2390 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 61 L |
