Germany vs Germany — 1981 vs 1978
| 924 Carrera GTS | M1 Standard | |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 245 hp | 277 hp |
| Torque | 217 lb-ft | 243 lb-ft |
| Engine Size | 1,984 cc | 3,453 cc |
| 0-60 mph | 5.5 sec | 5.3 sec |
| Top Speed | 155 mph | 163 mph |
| ¼ Mile | 13.9 sec | 13.8 sec |
| Weight | 2,471 lbs | 3,164 lbs |
| Wheelbase | 2,400 mm | 2,560 mm |
| Length | 4,213 mm | 4,360 mm |
| Units Produced | 59 | 456 |
| Original MSRP | $73,500 | $100,000 |
| Value (Excellent) | $1,200,000 | $800,000 |
| Collectibility | 10/10 | 10/10 |
| Rarity | 10/10 | 10/10 |
Numbers favor the 1978 BMW M1 Standard with more power, quicker acceleration, higher top speed. The 1981 Porsche 924 Carrera GTS offers lighter weight, greater rarity, and has its own devoted following. For those who let their heart decide, either car delivers a rewarding ownership experience.
In the world of Sports Car cars, few comparisons generate as much discussion as the 1981 Porsche 924 Carrera GTS versus the 1978 BMW M1 Standard. Both hail from Malaise era and represent the pinnacle of their respective manufacturers' ambitions. The 1978 BMW M1 Standard holds a clear advantage in raw power with 277 hp compared to 245 hp, a 32-horsepower difference that shapes the driving experience. Under the hood, the contrast is notable: the Porsche 924 Carrera GTS uses a Inline-4 SOHC Turbocharged 8V displacing 1,984 cc, while the BMW M1 relies on a Inline-6 with 3,453 cc. In the sprint to 60 mph, the 1978 BMW M1 Standard edges ahead at 5.3 seconds versus 5.5 seconds. The Porsche 924 Carrera GTS carries a weight advantage, tipping the scales 693 lbs lighter. Rarity plays a significant role here — with only 59 units built, the 1981 Porsche 924 Carrera GTS is considerably scarcer than the BMW M1's 456 examples.