2009 BMW 125 vs. 1997 TVR Speed 12
To start off, 2009 BMW 125 is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 TVR Speed 12. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 TVR Speed 12 would be higher. At 7,730 cc (12 cylinders), 1997 TVR Speed 12 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 TVR Speed 12 (800 HP @ 8250 RPM) has 585 more horse power than 2009 BMW 125. (215 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 TVR Speed 12 should accelerate faster than 2009 BMW 125. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 BMW 125 weights approximately 324 kg more than 1997 TVR Speed 12.
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, 1997 TVR Speed 12 (881 Nm @ 5750 RPM) has 631 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 BMW 125. (250 Nm @ 2750 RPM). This means 1997 TVR Speed 12 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 BMW 125.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 BMW 125 | 1997 TVR Speed 12 | |
| Make | BMW | TVR |
| Model | 125 | Speed 12 |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2497 cc | 7730 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 215 HP | 800 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 8250 RPM |
| Torque | 250 Nm | 881 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2750 RPM | 5750 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.2:1 | 12.5:1 |
| Top Speed | 245 km/hour | 337 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1326 kg | 1002 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4370 mm | 4630 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1430 mm | 2040 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1760 mm | 1170 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2650 mm |
