2009 BMW 523 vs. 1981 BMW M1
To start off, 2009 BMW 523 is newer by 28 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 98 more horse power than 2009 BMW 523. (175 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1981 BMW M1 should accelerate faster than 2009 BMW 523. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 BMW 523 weights approximately 190 kg more than 1981 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, 1981 BMW M1 (330 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 100 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 BMW 523. (230 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1981 BMW M1 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 BMW 523.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 BMW 523 | 1981 BMW M1 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 523 | M1 |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1981 |
| 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 | 175 HP | 273 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 230 Nm | 330 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 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 | 8.8 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 | 1490 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 |
