2009 BMW 118 vs. 1996 TVR Chimaera
To start off, 2009 BMW 118 is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 TVR Chimaera. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 TVR Chimaera would be higher. At 3,946 cc (8 cylinders), 1996 TVR Chimaera is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 TVR Chimaera (225 HP @ 5250 RPM) has 91 more horse power than 2009 BMW 118. (134 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 TVR Chimaera should accelerate faster than 2009 BMW 118. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 BMW 118 weights approximately 360 kg more than 1996 TVR Chimaera.
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, 1996 TVR Chimaera (373 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 193 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 BMW 118. (180 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1996 TVR Chimaera will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 BMW 118. 2009 BMW 118 has automatic transmission and 1996 TVR Chimaera has manual transmission. 1996 TVR Chimaera will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 BMW 118 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 BMW 118 | 1996 TVR Chimaera | |
| Make | BMW | TVR |
| Model | 118 | Chimaera |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1996 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 3946 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 134 HP | 225 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Torque | 180 Nm | 373 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 94.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 71.1 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1385 kg | 1025 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4250 mm | 4030 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1430 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1750 mm | 1220 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2290 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 53 L | 57 L |
