1978 BMW M1 vs. 1968 Mercedes-Benz E
To start off, 1978 BMW M1 is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1968 Mercedes-Benz E. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1968 Mercedes-Benz E 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 169 more horse power than 1968 Mercedes-Benz E. (104 HP @ 4800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1978 BMW M1 should accelerate faster than 1968 Mercedes-Benz E. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1968 Mercedes-Benz E weights approximately 56 kg more than 1978 BMW M1.
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 151 more torque (in Nm) than 1968 Mercedes-Benz E. (179 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 1978 BMW M1 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1968 Mercedes-Benz E.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 BMW M1 | 1968 Mercedes-Benz E | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | M1 | E |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1968 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 3453 cc | 2197 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 273 HP | 104 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 330 Nm | 179 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 93.5 mm | 87 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84 mm | 92.4 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 | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1300 kg | 1356 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4370 mm | 4700 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1140 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2760 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 116 L | 80 L |
