1978 BMW M1 vs. 2007 BMW 645
To start off, 2007 BMW 645 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 4,398 cc (8 cylinders), 2007 BMW 645 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 BMW 645 (328 HP @ 6100 RPM) has 55 more horse power than 1978 BMW M1. (273 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2007 BMW 645 should accelerate faster than 1978 BMW M1. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 BMW 645 weights approximately 515 kg more than 1978 BMW M1. 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, 2007 BMW 645 (450 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 120 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 BMW M1. (330 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2007 BMW 645 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 BMW M1.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 BMW M1 | 2007 BMW 645 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | M1 | 645 |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2007 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 3453 cc | 4398 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 273 HP | 328 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 6100 RPM |
| Torque | 330 Nm | 450 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 93.5 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84 mm | 82.7 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 5.9 seconds | 6.1 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1300 kg | 1815 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4370 mm | 4830 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1140 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2790 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 116 L | 70 L |
