1978 BMW M1 vs. 1972 Ford Torino
To start off, 1978 BMW M1 is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 Ford Torino. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 Ford Torino would be higher. At 4,096 cc (6 cylinders), 1972 Ford Torino is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 BMW M1 (273 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 178 more horse power than 1972 Ford Torino. (95 HP @ 3600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1978 BMW M1 should accelerate faster than 1972 Ford Torino. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 Ford Torino weights approximately 309 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 85 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 Ford Torino. (245 Nm @ 1600 RPM). This means 1978 BMW M1 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 Ford Torino.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 BMW M1 | 1972 Ford Torino | |
| Make | BMW | Ford |
| Model | M1 | Torino |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1972 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 3453 cc | 4096 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 273 HP | 95 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Torque | 330 Nm | 245 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 93.5 mm | 93.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84 mm | 99.3 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 8.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1300 kg | 1609 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4370 mm | 5180 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 2020 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1140 mm | 1320 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2900 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 116 L | 87 L |
