1998 Ford Mustang vs. 1981 BMW M1
To start off, 1998 Ford Mustang is newer by 17 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 3,797 cc (6 cylinders), 1998 Ford Mustang is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 BMW M1 (273 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 130 more horse power than 1998 Ford Mustang. (143 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1981 BMW M1 should accelerate faster than 1998 Ford Mustang. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Ford Mustang weights approximately 90 kg more than 1981 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, 1981 BMW M1 (330 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 32 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Ford Mustang. (298 Nm @ 2750 RPM). This means 1981 BMW M1 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Ford Mustang.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Ford Mustang | 1981 BMW M1 | |
| Make | Ford | BMW |
| Model | Mustang | M1 |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 3797 cc | 3453 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 143 HP | 273 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 298 Nm | 330 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2750 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 96.8 mm | 93.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86 mm | 84 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1390 kg | 1300 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4660 mm | 4370 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1140 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2570 mm |
