1988 Austin Montego vs. 1981 BMW M1
To start off, 1988 Austin Montego is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 BMW M1. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 BMW M1 would be higher. At 3,453 cc (6 cylinders), 1981 BMW M1 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 BMW M1 (273 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 188 more horse power than 1988 Austin Montego. (85 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1981 BMW M1 should accelerate faster than 1988 Austin Montego. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 BMW M1 weights approximately 184 kg more than 1988 Austin Montego. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1981 BMW M1 is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1981 BMW M1. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1988 Austin Montego, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 1981 BMW M1 (330 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 196 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Austin Montego. (134 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1981 BMW M1 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Austin Montego.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Austin Montego | 1981 BMW M1 | |
| Make | Austin | BMW |
| Model | Montego | M1 |
| Year Released | 1988 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1598 cc | 3453 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 85 HP | 273 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 134 Nm | 330 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1116 kg | 1300 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4470 mm | 4370 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1140 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2570 mm |
