2008 BMW 550 vs. 1980 Triumph TR7
To start off, 2008 BMW 550 is newer by 28 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Triumph TR7. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Triumph TR7 would be higher. At 2,497 cc (8 cylinders), 2008 BMW 550 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 BMW 550 (362 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 258 more horse power than 1980 Triumph TR7. (104 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 BMW 550 should accelerate faster than 1980 Triumph TR7. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 BMW 550 weights approximately 615 kg more than 1980 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, 2008 BMW 550 (491 Nm @ 3400 RPM) has 330 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Triumph TR7. (161 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2008 BMW 550 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Triumph TR7.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 BMW 550 | 1980 Triumph TR7 | |
| Make | BMW | Triumph |
| Model | 550 | TR7 |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1980 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2497 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 362 HP | 104 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 491 Nm | 161 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | 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 | 1660 kg | 1045 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4850 mm | 4070 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1490 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1850 mm | 1270 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2170 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 55 L |
