1978 BMW M1 vs. 1959 Ferrari 400 Superamerica
To start off, 1978 BMW M1 is newer by 19 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1959 Ferrari 400 Superamerica. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 Ferrari 400 Superamerica would be higher. At 3,967 cc (12 cylinders), 1959 Ferrari 400 Superamerica is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1959 Ferrari 400 Superamerica (335 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 62 more horse power than 1978 BMW M1. (273 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1959 Ferrari 400 Superamerica should accelerate faster than 1978 BMW M1. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1959 Ferrari 400 Superamerica weights approximately 290 kg more than 1978 BMW M1. 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 25 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Ferrari 400 Superamerica. (305 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1978 BMW M1 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Ferrari 400 Superamerica.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 BMW M1 | 1959 Ferrari 400 Superamerica | |
| Make | BMW | Ferrari |
| Model | M1 | 400 Superamerica |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1959 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 3453 cc | 3967 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 273 HP | 335 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 330 Nm | 305 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 93.5 mm | 77 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84 mm | 71 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 8.8:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1300 kg | 1590 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4370 mm | 4380 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1140 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2420 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 116 L | 119 L |
