1978 BMW M1 vs. 2013 Audi A3
To start off, 2013 Audi A3 is newer by 35 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) has 135 more horse power than 2013 Audi A3. (138 HP). In normal driving conditions, 1978 BMW M1 should accelerate faster than 2013 Audi A3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2013 Audi A3 weights approximately 205 kg more than 1978 BMW M1.
Because 2013 Audi A3 is all wheel drive (AWD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1978 BMW M1. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2013 Audi A3 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, 1978 BMW M1 (330 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 10 more torque (in Nm) than 2013 Audi A3. (320 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1978 BMW M1 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2013 Audi A3.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 BMW M1 | 2013 Audi A3 | |
| Make | BMW | Audi |
| Model | M1 | A3 |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2013 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 3453 cc | 1984 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | W |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 273 HP | 138 HP |
| Torque | 330 Nm | 320 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 93.5 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84 mm | 95.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 16.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | AWD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | CVT |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1300 kg | 1505 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4370 mm | 4292 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1995 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1140 mm | 1423 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2578 mm |
