1978 BMW M1 vs. 1956 Maserati 450
To start off, 1978 BMW M1 is newer by 22 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1956 Maserati 450. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1956 Maserati 450 would be higher. At 4,478 cc (8 cylinders), 1956 Maserati 450 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1956 Maserati 450 (395 HP @ 7200 RPM) has 122 more horse power than 1978 BMW M1. (273 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1956 Maserati 450 should accelerate faster than 1978 BMW M1. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 BMW M1 weights approximately 510 kg more than 1956 Maserati 450.
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, 1956 Maserati 450 (487 Nm @ 5500 RPM) has 157 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 BMW M1. (330 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1956 Maserati 450 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 BMW M1.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 BMW M1 | 1956 Maserati 450 | |
| Make | BMW | Maserati |
| Model | M1 | 450 |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1956 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 3453 cc | 4478 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 273 HP | 395 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 7200 RPM |
| Torque | 330 Nm | 487 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1300 kg | 790 kg |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2410 mm |
