1978 BMW M1 vs. 2013 BMW 7 Series
To start off, 2013 BMW 7 Series 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 4,395 cc (8 cylinders), 2013 BMW 7 Series is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2013 BMW 7 Series (439 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 166 more horse power than 1978 BMW M1. (273 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2013 BMW 7 Series should accelerate faster than 1978 BMW M1. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2013 BMW 7 Series weights approximately 852 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, 2013 BMW 7 Series (651 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 321 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 BMW M1. (330 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2013 BMW 7 Series will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 BMW M1. 2013 BMW 7 Series 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. 2013 BMW 7 Series will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 BMW M1 | 2013 BMW 7 Series | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | M1 | 7 Series |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2013 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 3453 cc | 4395 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 273 HP | 439 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 330 Nm | 651 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 93.5 mm | 89 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84 mm | 88 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 10.0 :1 |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 5.9 seconds | 4.7 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 8-speed automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1300 kg | 2152 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4370 mm | 5074 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 2134 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1140 mm | 1471 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 3070 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 116 L | 80 L |
