1978 BMW M1 vs. 1983 Ford Fairlane
To start off, 1983 Ford Fairlane is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 BMW M1. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 BMW M1 would be higher. At 4,093 cc (6 cylinders), 1983 Ford Fairlane is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 BMW M1 (273 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 125 more horse power than 1983 Ford Fairlane. (148 HP @ 3800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1978 BMW M1 should accelerate faster than 1983 Ford Fairlane. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1983 Ford Fairlane weights approximately 330 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 4 more torque (in Nm) than 1983 Ford Fairlane. (326 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 1978 BMW M1 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1983 Ford Fairlane.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 BMW M1 | 1983 Ford Fairlane | |
| Make | BMW | Ford |
| Model | M1 | Fairlane |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1983 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 3453 cc | 4093 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 273 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Torque | 330 Nm | 326 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 93.5 mm | 93.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84 mm | 99.3 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1300 kg | 1630 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4370 mm | 5020 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1140 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2950 mm |
