2009 BMW 118 vs. 1978 BMW M1
To start off, 2009 BMW 118 is newer by 31 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 139 more horse power than 2009 BMW 118. (134 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1978 BMW M1 should accelerate faster than 2009 BMW 118. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 BMW 118 weights approximately 225 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 150 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 BMW 118. (180 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1978 BMW M1 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 BMW 118.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 BMW 118 | 1978 BMW M1 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 118 | M1 |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 3453 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 134 HP | 273 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 180 Nm | 330 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84.1 mm | 93.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 12.0:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1525 kg | 1300 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4250 mm | 4370 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1430 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1750 mm | 1140 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2570 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 53 L | 116 L |
