1980 BMW M1 vs. 2006 BMW 523
To start off, 2006 BMW 523 is newer by 26 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 BMW M1. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 BMW M1 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 @ 6500 RPM) has 98 more horse power than 2006 BMW 523. (175 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1980 BMW M1 should accelerate faster than 2006 BMW 523. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 BMW 523 weights approximately 216 kg more than 1980 BMW M1.
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, 1980 BMW M1 (330 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 100 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 BMW 523. (230 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1980 BMW M1 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 BMW 523.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 BMW M1 | 2006 BMW 523 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | M1 | 523 |
| Year Released | 1980 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 3453 cc | 2497 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 273 HP | 175 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 330 Nm | 230 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 262 km/hour | 230 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1416 kg | 1632 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4370 mm | 4850 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1850 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1150 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2890 mm |
