1978 BMW M1 vs. 1951 Ferrari 212
To start off, 1978 BMW M1 is newer by 27 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1951 Ferrari 212. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1951 Ferrari 212 would be higher. At 3,453 cc (6 cylinders), 1978 BMW M1 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 BMW M1 (273 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 133 more horse power than 1951 Ferrari 212. (140 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1978 BMW M1 should accelerate faster than 1951 Ferrari 212. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 BMW M1 weights approximately 376 kg more than 1951 Ferrari 212. 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, 1978 BMW M1 (330 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 114 more torque (in Nm) than 1951 Ferrari 212. (216 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1978 BMW M1 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1951 Ferrari 212.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 BMW M1 | 1951 Ferrari 212 | |
| Make | BMW | Ferrari |
| Model | M1 | 212 |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1951 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 3453 cc | 2562 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 273 HP | 140 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 330 Nm | 216 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 93.5 mm | 68 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84 mm | 58.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 7.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1300 kg | 924 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4370 mm | 3720 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1570 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1140 mm | 1090 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2260 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 116 L | 159 L |
