Germany vs Germany — 1978 vs 2020
| M1 Motorsport | M2 CS F87 | |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 277 hp | 444 hp |
| Torque | 243 lb-ft | 406 lb-ft |
| Engine Size | 3,453 cc | 2,979 cc |
| 0-60 mph | 5.6 sec | 3.8 sec |
| Top Speed | 163 mph | 174 mph |
| ¼ Mile | 13.8 sec | 12.2 sec |
| Weight | 2,866 lbs | 3,417 lbs |
| Wheelbase | 2,560 mm | 2,693 mm |
| Length | 4,360 mm | 4,461 mm |
| Units Produced | 453 | 2,200 |
| Original MSRP | $115,000 | $83,600 |
| Value (Excellent) | $1,500,000 | $130,000 |
| Collectibility | 10/10 | 9/10 |
| Rarity | 9/10 | 8/10 |
It's a closely fought contest. The 1978 BMW M1 Motorsport brings lighter weight, greater rarity, stronger collectibility to the table, and the 2020 BMW M2 CS F87 answers with more power, quicker acceleration, higher top speed. Both are excellent machines that reward their owners in different ways — there's no wrong answer here.
BMW has long offered a diverse lineup, and comparing the 1978 BMW M1 Motorsport with the 2020 BMW M2 CS F87 highlights the breadth of the marque's engineering philosophy. The 2020 BMW M2 CS F87 holds a clear advantage in raw power with 444 hp compared to 277 hp, a 167-horsepower difference that shapes the driving experience. Under the hood, the contrast is notable: the BMW M1 uses a Inline-6 DOHC 24V (M88) displacing 3,453 cc, while the BMW M2 CS relies on a Inline-6 Twin-Turbocharged DOHC 24V with 2,979 cc. In the sprint to 60 mph, the 2020 BMW M2 CS F87 edges ahead at 3.8 seconds versus 5.6 seconds. The BMW M1 carries a weight advantage, tipping the scales 551 lbs lighter. Rarity plays a significant role here — with only 453 units built, the 1978 BMW M1 Motorsport is considerably scarcer than the BMW M2 CS's 2,200 examples. On the collector market, the 1978 BMW M1 Motorsport commands a significant premium over the 2020 BMW M2 CS F87, reflecting differences in prestige and rarity.