1978 BMW M1 vs. 1972 Oldsmobile Vista Cruiser
To start off, 1978 BMW M1 is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 Oldsmobile Vista Cruiser. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 Oldsmobile Vista Cruiser would be higher. At 5,736 cc (8 cylinders), 1972 Oldsmobile Vista Cruiser is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 BMW M1 (273 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 113 more horse power than 1972 Oldsmobile Vista Cruiser. (160 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1978 BMW M1 should accelerate faster than 1972 Oldsmobile Vista Cruiser. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 Oldsmobile Vista Cruiser weights approximately 645 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, 1972 Oldsmobile Vista Cruiser (381 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 51 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 BMW M1. (330 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1972 Oldsmobile Vista Cruiser will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 BMW M1. 1972 Oldsmobile Vista Cruiser 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. 1972 Oldsmobile Vista Cruiser will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 BMW M1 | 1972 Oldsmobile Vista Cruiser | |
| Make | BMW | Oldsmobile |
| Model | M1 | Vista Cruiser |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1972 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 3453 cc | 5736 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 273 HP | 160 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 330 Nm | 381 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 93.5 mm | 103.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84 mm | 85.9 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1300 kg | 1945 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4370 mm | 5560 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1960 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1140 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 3080 mm |
