1981 BMW 745 vs. 1997 Vector M12
To start off, 1997 Vector M12 is newer by 16 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 BMW 745. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 BMW 745 would be higher. At 5,707 cc (12 cylinders), 1997 Vector M12 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Vector M12 (484 HP @ 6800 RPM) has 232 more horse power than 1981 BMW 745. (252 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Vector M12 should accelerate faster than 1981 BMW 745. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Vector M12 weights approximately 34 kg more than 1981 BMW 745. 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, 1997 Vector M12 (576 Nm @ 5200 RPM) has 196 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 BMW 745. (380 Nm @ 2200 RPM). This means 1997 Vector M12 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 BMW 745. 1981 BMW 745 has automatic transmission and 1997 Vector M12 has manual transmission. 1997 Vector M12 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1981 BMW 745 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 BMW 745 | 1997 Vector M12 | |
| Make | BMW | Vector |
| Model | 745 | M12 |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 3430 cc | 5707 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 252 HP | 484 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 6800 RPM |
| Torque | 380 Nm | 576 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2200 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1596 kg | 1630 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4870 mm | 4790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 2030 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1140 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2750 mm |
