2006 BMW 650 vs. 1981 BMW M1
To start off, 2006 BMW 650 is newer by 25 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 4,800 cc (8 cylinders), 2006 BMW 650 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 BMW 650 (360 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 87 more horse power than 1981 BMW M1. (273 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 BMW 650 should accelerate faster than 1981 BMW M1. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 BMW 650 weights approximately 430 kg more than 1981 BMW M1. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 2006 BMW 650 (488 Nm @ 3400 RPM) has 158 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 BMW M1. (330 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2006 BMW 650 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 BMW M1.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 BMW 650 | 1981 BMW M1 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 650 | M1 |
| Year Released | 2006 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 4800 cc | 3453 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 360 HP | 273 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 488 Nm | 330 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 93 mm | 93.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.3 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1730 kg | 1300 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4840 mm | 4370 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1140 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2790 mm | 2570 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 116 L |
