1978 BMW M1 vs. 1998 BMW 845
To start off, 1998 BMW 845 is newer by 20 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 4,398 cc (8 cylinders), 1998 BMW 845 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 BMW 845 (282 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 9 more horse power than 1978 BMW M1. (273 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 BMW 845 should accelerate faster than 1978 BMW M1. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 BMW 845 weights approximately 450 kg more than 1978 BMW M1. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 1998 BMW 845 (420 Nm @ 3900 RPM) has 90 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 BMW M1. (330 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1998 BMW 845 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 BMW M1.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 BMW M1 | 1998 BMW 845 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | M1 | 845 |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 3453 cc | 4398 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 273 HP | 282 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 330 Nm | 420 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 3900 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 93.5 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84 mm | 82.7 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1300 kg | 1750 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4370 mm | 4790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1140 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2690 mm |
