2009 BMW 320 vs. 1979 BMW M1
To start off, 2009 BMW 320 is newer by 30 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 132 more horse power than 2009 BMW 320. (141 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1979 BMW M1 should accelerate faster than 2009 BMW 320. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 BMW 320 weights approximately 20 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 140 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 BMW 320. (190 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 1979 BMW M1 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 BMW 320.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 BMW 320 | 1979 BMW M1 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 320 | M1 |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1979 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| 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 | 141 HP | 273 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 190 Nm | 330 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 12.0:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 8.2 seconds | 5.9 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1320 kg | 1300 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4540 mm | 4370 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1140 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2570 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 116 L |
