1978 BMW M1 vs. 1996 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 1996 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 18 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 219 more horse power than 1996 Volkswagen Passat. (54 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1978 BMW M1 should accelerate faster than 1996 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 BMW M1 weights approximately 440 kg more than 1996 Volkswagen Passat. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 1996 Volkswagen Passat, 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 238 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Volkswagen Passat. (92 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 1978 BMW M1 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Volkswagen Passat.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 BMW M1 | 1996 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | BMW | Volkswagen |
| Model | M1 | Passat |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1996 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 3453 cc | 1272 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 273 HP | 54 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 330 Nm | 92 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 93.5 mm | 75.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84 mm | 72 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 8.2:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1300 kg | 860 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4370 mm | 4300 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1140 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2480 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 116 L | 45 L |
