1995 BMW 318 vs. 1978 BMW M1
To start off, 1995 BMW 318 is newer by 17 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 BMW M1. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 BMW M1 would be higher. At 3,453 cc (6 cylinders), 1978 BMW M1 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 BMW M1 (273 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 159 more horse power than 1995 BMW 318. (114 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1978 BMW M1 should accelerate faster than 1995 BMW 318. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1995 BMW 318 weights approximately 145 kg more than 1978 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, 1978 BMW M1 (330 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 162 more torque (in Nm) than 1995 BMW 318. (168 Nm @ 3900 RPM). This means 1978 BMW M1 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1995 BMW 318.
Compare all specifications:
| 1995 BMW 318 | 1978 BMW M1 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 318 | M1 |
| Year Released | 1995 | 1978 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 3453 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 114 HP | 273 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 168 Nm | 330 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3900 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1445 kg | 1300 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 4370 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1140 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2570 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 116 L |
