2008 BMW 523 vs. 1948 Triumph Roadster
To start off, 2008 BMW 523 is newer by 60 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1948 Triumph Roadster. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1948 Triumph Roadster would be higher. At 2,497 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 BMW 523 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 BMW 523 (175 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 108 more horse power than 1948 Triumph Roadster. (67 HP @ 4200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 BMW 523 should accelerate faster than 1948 Triumph Roadster. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 BMW 523 weights approximately 320 kg more than 1948 Triumph Roadster. 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, 2008 BMW 523 (230 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 84 more torque (in Nm) than 1948 Triumph Roadster. (146 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2008 BMW 523 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1948 Triumph Roadster.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 BMW 523 | 1948 Triumph Roadster | |
| Make | BMW | Triumph |
| Model | 523 | Roadster |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1948 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Roadster |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2497 cc | 2088 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 175 HP | 67 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 230 Nm | 146 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 78.8 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 7.1:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1490 kg | 1170 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4850 mm | 4290 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1630 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2550 mm |
