1978 BMW M1 vs. 2004 Mercedes-Benz E
To start off, 2004 Mercedes-Benz E 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 3,498 cc (6 cylinders), 2004 Mercedes-Benz E is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 BMW M1 (273 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 5 more horse power than 2004 Mercedes-Benz E. (268 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1978 BMW M1 should accelerate faster than 2004 Mercedes-Benz E. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Mercedes-Benz E weights approximately 380 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, 2004 Mercedes-Benz E (350 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 20 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 BMW M1. (330 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2004 Mercedes-Benz E will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 BMW M1. 2004 Mercedes-Benz E 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. 2004 Mercedes-Benz E will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 BMW M1 | 2004 Mercedes-Benz E | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | M1 | E |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 3453 cc | 3498 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 273 HP | 268 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 330 Nm | 350 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 93.5 mm | 92.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 10.7:1 |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 5.9 seconds | 6.9 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1300 kg | 1680 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4370 mm | 4820 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1140 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2970 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 116 L | 80 L |
