1996 Honda Ballade vs. 1979 BMW M1
To start off, 1996 Honda Ballade is newer by 17 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 184 more horse power than 1996 Honda Ballade. (89 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1979 BMW M1 should accelerate faster than 1996 Honda Ballade. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 BMW M1 weights approximately 210 kg more than 1996 Honda Ballade. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1979 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 1979 BMW M1. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1996 Honda Ballade, 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, 1979 BMW M1 (330 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 199 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Honda Ballade. (131 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1979 BMW M1 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Honda Ballade.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Honda Ballade | 1979 BMW M1 | |
| Make | Honda | BMW |
| Model | Ballade | M1 |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1491 cc | 3453 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 89 HP | 273 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 131 Nm | 330 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 75 mm | 93.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84.5 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.2:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1090 kg | 1300 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4460 mm | 4370 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1140 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2570 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 52 L | 116 L |
