1978 BMW M1 vs. 1994 Suzuki Samurai
To start off, 1994 Suzuki Samurai is newer by 16 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 205 more horse power than 1994 Suzuki Samurai. (68 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1978 BMW M1 should accelerate faster than 1994 Suzuki Samurai. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 BMW M1 weights approximately 370 kg more than 1994 Suzuki Samurai. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1994 Suzuki Samurai is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1978 BMW M1. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1994 Suzuki Samurai will offer significantly more control. 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 227 more torque (in Nm) than 1994 Suzuki Samurai. (103 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1978 BMW M1 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1994 Suzuki Samurai.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 BMW M1 | 1994 Suzuki Samurai | |
| Make | BMW | Suzuki |
| Model | M1 | Samurai |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1994 |
| Body Type | Coupe | SUV |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 3453 cc | 1298 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 273 HP | 68 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 330 Nm | 103 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 93.5 mm | 74 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84 mm | 75.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1300 kg | 930 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4370 mm | 3450 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1540 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1140 mm | 1670 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2490 mm |
