1978 BMW M1 vs. 1990 Chevrolet Caprice
To start off, 1990 Chevrolet Caprice is newer by 12 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 5,001 cc (8 cylinders), 1990 Chevrolet Caprice is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 BMW M1 (273 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 105 more horse power than 1990 Chevrolet Caprice. (168 HP @ 4200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1978 BMW M1 should accelerate faster than 1990 Chevrolet Caprice. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1990 Chevrolet Caprice weights approximately 470 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, 1990 Chevrolet Caprice (346 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 16 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 BMW M1. (330 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1990 Chevrolet Caprice will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 BMW M1. 1990 Chevrolet Caprice 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. 1990 Chevrolet Caprice will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 BMW M1 | 1990 Chevrolet Caprice | |
| Make | BMW | Chevrolet |
| Model | M1 | Caprice |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1990 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 3453 cc | 5001 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 273 HP | 168 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 330 Nm | 346 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 93.5 mm | 95 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84 mm | 88.4 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 | 1770 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4370 mm | 5440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1960 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1140 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2950 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 116 L | 68 L |
