1978 BMW M1 vs. 1985 Ford Taurus
To start off, 1985 Ford Taurus is newer by 7 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 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 134 more horse power than 1985 Ford Taurus. (139 HP @ 4800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1978 BMW M1 should accelerate faster than 1985 Ford Taurus. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1985 Ford Taurus weights approximately 145 kg more than 1978 BMW M1.
Because 1978 BMW M1 is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1978 BMW M1. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1985 Ford Taurus, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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 113 more torque (in Nm) than 1985 Ford Taurus. (217 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1978 BMW M1 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1985 Ford Taurus.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 BMW M1 | 1985 Ford Taurus | |
| Make | BMW | Ford |
| Model | M1 | Taurus |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1985 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 3453 cc | 2986 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 273 HP | 139 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 330 Nm | 217 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 93.5 mm | 88.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84 mm | 78.7 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1300 kg | 1445 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4370 mm | 4910 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1140 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2700 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 116 L | 45 L |
