1978 BMW M1 vs. 2009 Mercury Mountaineer
To start off, 2009 Mercury Mountaineer is newer by 31 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 4,009 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 Mercury Mountaineer is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 BMW M1 (273 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 63 more horse power than 2009 Mercury Mountaineer. (210 HP @ 5100 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1978 BMW M1 should accelerate faster than 2009 Mercury Mountaineer. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Mercury Mountaineer weights approximately 625 kg more than 1978 BMW M1.
Because 2009 Mercury Mountaineer is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1978 BMW M1. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 Mercury Mountaineer will offer significantly more control. 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, 2009 Mercury Mountaineer (344 Nm @ 3700 RPM) has 14 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 BMW M1. (330 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2009 Mercury Mountaineer will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 BMW M1. 2009 Mercury Mountaineer 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. 2009 Mercury Mountaineer will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 BMW M1 | 2009 Mercury Mountaineer | |
| Make | BMW | Mercury |
| Model | M1 | Mountaineer |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Coupe | SUV |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 3453 cc | 4009 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 273 HP | 210 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5100 RPM |
| Torque | 330 Nm | 344 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 3700 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 9.7:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1300 kg | 1925 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4370 mm | 4920 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1880 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1140 mm | 1860 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2890 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 116 L | 85 L |
