2007 BMW 318 vs. 1979 BMW M1
To start off, 2007 BMW 318 is newer by 28 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 125 more horse power than 2007 BMW 318. (148 HP @ 6200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1979 BMW M1 should accelerate faster than 2007 BMW 318. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 BMW 318 weights approximately 280 kg more than 1979 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, 1979 BMW M1 (330 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 130 more torque (in Nm) than 2007 BMW 318. (200 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 1979 BMW M1 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2007 BMW 318.
Compare all specifications:
| 2007 BMW 318 | 1979 BMW M1 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 318 | M1 |
| Year Released | 2007 | 1979 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1994 cc | 3453 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 273 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 200 Nm | 330 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 93.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 10.3 seconds | 5.9 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1580 kg | 1300 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4490 mm | 4370 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1140 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2570 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 116 L |
