1978 BMW M1 vs. 2004 BMW 318
To start off, 2004 BMW 318 is newer by 26 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 2004 BMW 318. (148 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1978 BMW M1 should accelerate faster than 2004 BMW 318. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 BMW 318 weights approximately 175 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, 1978 BMW M1 (330 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 130 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 BMW 318. (200 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 1978 BMW M1 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 BMW 318.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 BMW M1 | 2004 BMW 318 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | M1 | 318 |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 3453 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 273 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 330 Nm | 200 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 93.5 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 5.9 seconds | 9.6 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1300 kg | 1475 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4370 mm | 4480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1140 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2670 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 116 L | 63 L |
