2001 BMW M vs. 1988 BMW M6
To start off, 2001 BMW M is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 BMW M6. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 BMW M6 would be higher. At 3,453 cc (6 cylinders), 1988 BMW M6 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 BMW M (320 HP @ 7400 RPM) has 38 more horse power than 1988 BMW M6. (282 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2001 BMW M should accelerate faster than 1988 BMW M6. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 BMW M6 weights approximately 130 kg more than 2001 BMW M.
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, 2001 BMW M (345 Nm @ 4900 RPM) has 11 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 BMW M6. (334 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2001 BMW M will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 BMW M6.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 BMW M | 1988 BMW M6 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | M | M6 |
| Year Released | 2001 | 1988 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3169 cc | 3453 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 320 HP | 282 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7400 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 345 Nm | 334 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4900 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.5:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1375 kg | 1505 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4030 mm | 4760 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1290 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2630 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 51 L | 70 L |
