1980 BMW M1 vs. 2011 BMW 325
To start off, 2011 BMW 325 is newer by 31 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 84 more horse power than 2011 BMW 325. (189 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1980 BMW M1 should accelerate faster than 2011 BMW 325. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 BMW 325 weights approximately 224 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 85 more torque (in Nm) than 2011 BMW 325. (245 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1980 BMW M1 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2011 BMW 325.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 BMW M1 | 2011 BMW 325 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | M1 | 325 |
| Year Released | 1980 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 3453 cc | 2494 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 273 HP | 189 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 330 Nm | 245 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1416 kg | 1640 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4370 mm | 4490 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1150 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2730 mm |
