1978 BMW M1 vs. 1968 Ford 17
To start off, 1978 BMW M1 is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1968 Ford 17. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1968 Ford 17 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 188 more horse power than 1968 Ford 17. (85 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1978 BMW M1 should accelerate faster than 1968 Ford 17. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 BMW M1 weights approximately 180 kg more than 1968 Ford 17. 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 182 more torque (in Nm) than 1968 Ford 17. (148 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1978 BMW M1 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1968 Ford 17.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 BMW M1 | 1968 Ford 17 | |
| Make | BMW | Ford |
| Model | M1 | 17 |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1968 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 3453 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 273 HP | 85 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 330 Nm | 148 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 93.5 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84 mm | 60.1 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1300 kg | 1120 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4370 mm | 4730 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1140 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 116 L | 45 L |
