2009 BMW 120 vs. 2003 TVR Chimaera
To start off, 2009 BMW 120 is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 TVR Chimaera. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 TVR Chimaera would be higher. At 4,546 cc (8 cylinders), 2003 TVR Chimaera is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 TVR Chimaera (282 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 114 more horse power than 2009 BMW 120. (168 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 TVR Chimaera should accelerate faster than 2009 BMW 120. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 BMW 120 weights approximately 266 kg more than 2003 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, 2009 BMW 120 (340 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 34 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 TVR Chimaera. (306 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2009 BMW 120 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 TVR Chimaera.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 BMW 120 | 2003 TVR Chimaera | |
| Make | BMW | TVR |
| Model | 120 | Chimaera |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2003 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 4546 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 168 HP | 282 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 340 Nm | 306 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 94 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 82 mm |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1326 kg | 1060 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4230 mm | 4030 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1440 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1760 mm | 1220 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2290 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 51 L | 57 L |
