2009 BMW M3 vs. 1980 Triumph TR7
To start off, 2009 BMW M3 is newer by 29 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 3,999 cc (8 cylinders), 2009 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 BMW M3 (414 HP @ 8300 RPM) has 310 more horse power than 1980 Triumph TR7. (104 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 1980 Triumph TR7. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 BMW M3 weights approximately 485 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, 2009 BMW M3 (400 Nm @ 3900 RPM) has 239 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Triumph TR7. (161 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2009 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Triumph TR7.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 BMW M3 | 1980 Triumph TR7 | |
| Make | BMW | Triumph |
| Model | M3 | TR7 |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1980 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3999 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 414 HP | 104 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8300 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 400 Nm | 161 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3900 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 92 mm | 90.3 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75.2 mm | 78 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 12.0:1 | 9.3:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1530 kg | 1045 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4590 mm | 4070 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1450 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1760 mm | 1270 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2170 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 55 L |
