1978 BMW M1 vs. 2001 Ford Mustang
To start off, 2001 Ford Mustang is newer by 23 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 4,601 cc (8 cylinders), 2001 Ford Mustang is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 BMW M1 (273 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 13 more horse power than 2001 Ford Mustang. (260 HP @ 5250 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1978 BMW M1 should accelerate faster than 2001 Ford Mustang. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 BMW M1 weights approximately 2 kg more than 2001 Ford Mustang. 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, 2001 Ford Mustang (410 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 80 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 BMW M1. (330 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2001 Ford Mustang will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 BMW M1. 2001 Ford Mustang 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. 2001 Ford Mustang will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 BMW M1 | 2001 Ford Mustang | |
| Make | BMW | Ford |
| Model | M1 | Mustang |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2001 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 3453 cc | 4601 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 273 HP | 260 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Torque | 330 Nm | 410 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 93.5 mm | 90.2 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 9.4:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1300 kg | 1298 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4370 mm | 4660 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1140 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2670 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 116 L | 59 L |
