2008 BMW 523 vs. 1980 TVR Tasmin
To start off, 2008 BMW 523 is newer by 28 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 TVR Tasmin. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 TVR Tasmin would be higher. At 2,792 cc (6 cylinders), 1980 TVR Tasmin is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 BMW 523 (175 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 15 more horse power than 1980 TVR Tasmin. (160 HP @ 5700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 BMW 523 should accelerate faster than 1980 TVR Tasmin. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 BMW 523 weights approximately 455 kg more than 1980 TVR Tasmin. 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 10 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 TVR Tasmin. (220 Nm @ 4300 RPM). This means 2008 BMW 523 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 TVR Tasmin.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 BMW 523 | 1980 TVR Tasmin | |
| Make | BMW | TVR |
| Model | 523 | Tasmin |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1980 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2497 cc | 2792 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 175 HP | 160 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 230 Nm | 220 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4300 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 78.8 mm | 93 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82 mm | 68.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 9.2:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 230 km/hour | 209 km/hour |
| 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 | 1035 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4850 mm | 4020 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1200 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2390 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 60 L |
