2007 BMW 525 vs. 1978 BMW M1
To start off, 2007 BMW 525 is newer by 29 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 BMW M1. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 BMW M1 would be higher. At 3,453 cc (6 cylinders), 1978 BMW M1 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 BMW M1 (273 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 58 more horse power than 2007 BMW 525. (215 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1978 BMW M1 should accelerate faster than 2007 BMW 525. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 BMW 525 weights approximately 200 kg more than 1978 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, 1978 BMW M1 (330 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 80 more torque (in Nm) than 2007 BMW 525. (250 Nm @ 2900 RPM). This means 1978 BMW M1 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2007 BMW 525. 2007 BMW 525 has automatic transmission and 1978 BMW M1 has manual transmission. 1978 BMW M1 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2007 BMW 525 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2007 BMW 525 | 1978 BMW M1 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 525 | M1 |
| Year Released | 2007 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 2497 cc | 3453 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 215 HP | 273 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 250 Nm | 330 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2900 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 93.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78.8 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 7.9 seconds | 5.9 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1500 kg | 1300 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4850 mm | 4370 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1470 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1850 mm | 1140 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2570 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 116 L |
