1978 BMW M1 vs. 1998 GMC Safari
To start off, 1998 GMC Safari 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 4,293 cc (6 cylinders), 1998 GMC Safari is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 BMW M1 (273 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 86 more horse power than 1998 GMC Safari. (187 HP @ 4400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1978 BMW M1 should accelerate faster than 1998 GMC Safari. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 GMC Safari weights approximately 655 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, 1998 GMC Safari (338 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 8 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 BMW M1. (330 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1998 GMC Safari will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 BMW M1. 1998 GMC Safari 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. 1998 GMC Safari will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 BMW M1 | 1998 GMC Safari | |
| Make | BMW | GMC |
| Model | M1 | Safari |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Van |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 3453 cc | 4293 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 273 HP | 187 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 330 Nm | 338 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 93.5 mm | 102 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84 mm | 88 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 8 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1300 kg | 1955 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4370 mm | 4830 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1980 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1140 mm | 1910 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2830 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 116 L | 98 L |
