1978 BMW M1 vs. 1997 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 1997 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 19 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 125 more horse power than 1997 Volkswagen Passat. (148 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1978 BMW M1 should accelerate faster than 1997 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 155 kg more than 1978 BMW M1.
Because 1997 Volkswagen Passat 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, 1997 Volkswagen Passat 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 124 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Volkswagen Passat. (206 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 1978 BMW M1 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Volkswagen Passat.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 BMW M1 | 1997 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | BMW | Volkswagen |
| Model | M1 | Passat |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 3453 cc | 2327 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 273 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 330 Nm | 206 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 93.5 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84 mm | 90.2 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1300 kg | 1455 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4370 mm | 4680 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1140 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2710 mm |
