1978 Ford Mustang vs. 2011 BMW 1 Series
To start off, 2011 BMW 1 Series is newer by 33 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Ford Mustang. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Ford Mustang would be higher. At 3,000 cc (6 cylinders), 2011 BMW 1 Series is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 BMW 1 Series (335 HP @ 5900 RPM) has 248 more horse power than 1978 Ford Mustang. (87 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 BMW 1 Series should accelerate faster than 1978 Ford Mustang. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 BMW 1 Series weights approximately 340 kg more than 1978 Ford Mustang. 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, 2011 BMW 1 Series (450 Nm @ 1500 RPM) has 289 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Ford Mustang. (161 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 2011 BMW 1 Series will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Ford Mustang.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Ford Mustang | 2011 BMW 1 Series | |
| Make | Ford | BMW |
| Model | Mustang | 1 Series |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2011 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2294 cc | 3000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 87 HP | 335 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 5900 RPM |
| Torque | 161 Nm | 450 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 1500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1185 kg | 1525 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4560 mm | 4374 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1803 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2560 mm | 2659 mm |
