1978 BMW M1 vs. 2006 BMW 530
To start off, 2006 BMW 530 is newer by 28 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 58 more horse power than 2006 BMW 530. (215 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1978 BMW M1 should accelerate faster than 2006 BMW 530. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 BMW 530 weights approximately 370 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, 2006 BMW 530 (500 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 170 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 BMW M1. (330 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2006 BMW 530 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 BMW M1.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 BMW M1 | 2006 BMW 530 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | M1 | 530 |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 3453 cc | 2991 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 273 HP | 215 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 330 Nm | 500 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 93.5 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 17.0:1 |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 5.9 seconds | 7.1 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1300 kg | 1670 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4370 mm | 4850 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1850 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1140 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2890 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 116 L | 70 L |
