2008 BMW 118 vs. 1997 TVR Speed 12
To start off, 2008 BMW 118 is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 TVR Speed 12. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 TVR Speed 12 would be higher. At 7,730 cc (12 cylinders), 1997 TVR Speed 12 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 TVR Speed 12 (800 HP @ 8250 RPM) has 659 more horse power than 2008 BMW 118. (141 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 TVR Speed 12 should accelerate faster than 2008 BMW 118. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 BMW 118 weights approximately 383 kg more than 1997 TVR Speed 12.
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, 1997 TVR Speed 12 (881 Nm @ 5750 RPM) has 581 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 BMW 118. (300 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1997 TVR Speed 12 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 BMW 118.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 BMW 118 | 1997 TVR Speed 12 | |
| Make | BMW | TVR |
| Model | 118 | Speed 12 |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1997 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 7730 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 141 HP | 800 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 8250 RPM |
| Torque | 300 Nm | 881 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 5750 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 16.0:1 | 12.5:1 |
| Top Speed | 205 km/hour | 337 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1385 kg | 1002 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4250 mm | 4630 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 2040 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1170 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2650 mm |
