2007 BMW 116 vs. 1981 BMW M1
To start off, 2007 BMW 116 is newer by 26 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 3,453 cc (6 cylinders), 1981 BMW M1 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 BMW M1 (273 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 159 more horse power than 2007 BMW 116. (114 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1981 BMW M1 should accelerate faster than 2007 BMW 116. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 BMW M1 weights approximately 20 kg more than 2007 BMW 116. 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, 1981 BMW M1 (330 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 180 more torque (in Nm) than 2007 BMW 116. (150 Nm @ 4300 RPM). This means 1981 BMW M1 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2007 BMW 116.
Compare all specifications:
| 2007 BMW 116 | 1981 BMW M1 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 116 | M1 |
| Year Released | 2007 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1594 cc | 3453 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 114 HP | 273 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 150 Nm | 330 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4300 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 93.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.2:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 10.8 seconds | 5.9 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1280 kg | 1300 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4230 mm | 4370 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1140 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2570 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 116 L |
