1978 BMW M1 vs. 2007 BMW 118
To start off, 2007 BMW 118 is newer by 29 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 145 more horse power than 2007 BMW 118. (128 HP @ 5750 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1978 BMW M1 should accelerate faster than 2007 BMW 118. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 BMW M1 weights approximately 70 kg more than 2007 BMW 118. 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, 1978 BMW M1 (330 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 150 more torque (in Nm) than 2007 BMW 118. (180 Nm @ 3250 RPM). This means 1978 BMW M1 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2007 BMW 118. 2007 BMW 118 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. 2007 BMW 118 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 BMW M1 | 2007 BMW 118 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | M1 | 118 |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2007 |
| 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 | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 273 HP | 128 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5750 RPM |
| Torque | 330 Nm | 180 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 3250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 93.5 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 10.2:1 |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 5.9 seconds | 12.1 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1300 kg | 1230 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4370 mm | 4230 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1440 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1140 mm | 1760 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2670 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 116 L | 50 L |
