1978 BMW M1 vs. 2012 Cadillac CTS-V
To start off, 2012 Cadillac CTS-V 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 6,200 cc (8 cylinders), 2012 Cadillac CTS-V is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Cadillac CTS-V (556 HP @ 6100 RPM) has 283 more horse power than 1978 BMW M1. (273 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Cadillac CTS-V should accelerate faster than 1978 BMW M1. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Cadillac CTS-V weights approximately 615 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, 2012 Cadillac CTS-V (746 Nm @ 3800 RPM) has 416 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 BMW M1. (330 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2012 Cadillac CTS-V will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 BMW M1.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 BMW M1 | 2012 Cadillac CTS-V | |
| Make | BMW | Cadillac |
| Model | M1 | CTS-V |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 3453 cc | 6200 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 273 HP | 556 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 6100 RPM |
| Torque | 330 Nm | 746 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1300 kg | 1915 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4370 mm | 4859 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1842 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1140 mm | 1455 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2880 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 116 L | 68 L |
