1980 BMW M1 vs. 1979 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 1980 BMW M1 is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Volkswagen Passat. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Volkswagen Passat would be higher. At 3,453 cc (6 cylinders), 1980 BMW M1 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1980 BMW M1 (273 HP) has 224 more horse power than 1979 Volkswagen Passat. (49 HP). In normal driving conditions, 1980 BMW M1 should accelerate faster than 1979 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1980 BMW M1 weights approximately 471 kg more than 1979 Volkswagen Passat. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1980 BMW M1 is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1980 BMW M1. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1979 Volkswagen Passat, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 1980 BMW M1 (330 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 248 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Volkswagen Passat. (82 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1980 BMW M1 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Volkswagen Passat.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 BMW M1 | 1979 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | BMW | Volkswagen |
| Model | M1 | Passat |
| Year Released | 1980 | 1979 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 3453 cc | 1471 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 273 HP | 49 HP |
| Torque | 330 Nm | 82 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1416 kg | 945 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4370 mm | 4270 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1150 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2480 mm |
