1984 Ford Mustang vs. 1979 BMW M1
To start off, 1984 Ford Mustang is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 BMW M1. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 BMW M1 would be higher. At 3,453 cc (6 cylinders), 1979 BMW M1 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1979 BMW M1 (273 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 185 more horse power than 1984 Ford Mustang. (88 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1979 BMW M1 should accelerate faster than 1984 Ford Mustang. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 BMW M1 weights approximately 115 kg more than 1984 Ford Mustang. 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, 1979 BMW M1 (330 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 169 more torque (in Nm) than 1984 Ford Mustang. (161 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 1979 BMW M1 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1984 Ford Mustang.
Compare all specifications:
| 1984 Ford Mustang | 1979 BMW M1 | |
| Make | Ford | BMW |
| Model | Mustang | M1 |
| Year Released | 1984 | 1979 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 2292 cc | 3453 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 88 HP | 273 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 161 Nm | 330 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 96 mm | 93.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79.5 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1185 kg | 1300 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4560 mm | 4370 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1140 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2560 mm | 2570 mm |
