1980 BMW M1 vs. 2007 BMW 318
To start off, 2007 BMW 318 is newer by 27 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 145 more horse power than 2007 BMW 318. (128 HP @ 5750 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1980 BMW M1 should accelerate faster than 2007 BMW 318. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 BMW 318 weights approximately 19 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 150 more torque (in Nm) than 2007 BMW 318. (180 Nm @ 3250 RPM). This means 1980 BMW M1 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2007 BMW 318. 2007 BMW 318 has automatic transmission and 1980 BMW M1 has manual transmission. 1980 BMW M1 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2007 BMW 318 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 BMW M1 | 2007 BMW 318 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | M1 | 318 |
| Year Released | 1980 | 2007 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 3453 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 273 HP | 128 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5750 RPM |
| Torque | 330 Nm | 180 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 3250 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Top Speed | 262 km/hour | 208 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1416 kg | 1435 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4370 mm | 4230 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1150 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2770 mm |
