1978 BMW M1 vs. 2012 BMW 116
To start off, 2012 BMW 116 is newer by 34 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 137 more horse power than 2012 BMW 116. (136 HP @ 4400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1978 BMW M1 should accelerate faster than 2012 BMW 116. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 BMW 116 weights approximately 85 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 110 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 BMW 116. (220 Nm @ 4300 RPM). This means 1978 BMW M1 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 BMW 116.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 BMW M1 | 2012 BMW 116 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | M1 | 116 |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2012 |
| 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 | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 273 HP | 136 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 330 Nm | 220 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 4300 RPM |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 5.9 seconds | 9.1 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1300 kg | 1385 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4370 mm | 4324 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1765 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1140 mm | 1421 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2690 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 116 L | 51 L |
