1978 BMW M1 vs. 2006 Mercedes-Benz E
To start off, 2006 Mercedes-Benz E 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 153 more horse power than 2006 Mercedes-Benz E. (120 HP @ 4200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1978 BMW M1 should accelerate faster than 2006 Mercedes-Benz E. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Mercedes-Benz E weights approximately 300 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 60 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Mercedes-Benz E. (270 Nm @ 1400 RPM). This means 1978 BMW M1 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Mercedes-Benz E.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 BMW M1 | 2006 Mercedes-Benz E | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | M1 | E |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 3453 cc | 2147 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 273 HP | 120 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 330 Nm | 270 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 1400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 93.5 mm | 88 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84 mm | 88.3 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 18.0:1 |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 5.9 seconds | 12.1 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1300 kg | 1600 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4370 mm | 4820 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1140 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2860 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 116 L | 65 L |
