1978 BMW M1 vs. 1971 Cadillac Fleetwood
To start off, 1978 BMW M1 is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Cadillac Fleetwood. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Cadillac Fleetwood would be higher. At 7,725 cc (8 cylinders), 1971 Cadillac Fleetwood is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1971 Cadillac Fleetwood (345 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 72 more horse power than 1978 BMW M1. (273 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1971 Cadillac Fleetwood should accelerate faster than 1978 BMW M1. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1971 Cadillac Fleetwood weights approximately 923 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, 1971 Cadillac Fleetwood (679 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 349 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 BMW M1. (330 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1971 Cadillac Fleetwood will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 BMW M1. 1971 Cadillac Fleetwood has automatic transmission and 1978 BMW M1 has manual transmission. 1978 BMW M1 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1971 Cadillac Fleetwood will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 BMW M1 | 1971 Cadillac Fleetwood | |
| Make | BMW | Cadillac |
| Model | M1 | Fleetwood |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1971 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 3453 cc | 7725 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 273 HP | 345 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 330 Nm | 679 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 93.5 mm | 109.2 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84 mm | 103.1 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1300 kg | 2223 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4370 mm | 5810 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 2040 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1140 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 3380 mm |
