Germany vs Germany — 1980 vs 1978
| Quattro Ur-Quattro (20V Turbo) | M1 Standard | |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 220 hp | 277 hp |
| Torque | 228 lb-ft | 243 lb-ft |
| Engine Size | 2,226 cc | 3,453 cc |
| 0-60 mph | 5.9 sec | 5.3 sec |
| Top Speed | 143 mph | 163 mph |
| ¼ Mile | 14.3 sec | 13.8 sec |
| Weight | 2,976 lbs | 3,164 lbs |
| Wheelbase | 2,524 mm | 2,560 mm |
| Length | 4,404 mm | 4,360 mm |
| Units Produced | 11,452 | 456 |
| Original MSRP | $35,950 | $100,000 |
| Value (Excellent) | $150,000 | $800,000 |
| Collectibility | 8/10 | 10/10 |
| Rarity | 7/10 | 10/10 |
Numbers favor the 1978 BMW M1 Standard with more power, quicker acceleration, higher top speed. The 1980 Audi Quattro Ur-Quattro (20V Turbo) offers lighter weight, better value, 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 1980 Audi Quattro Ur-Quattro (20V Turbo) 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 220 hp, a 57-horsepower difference that shapes the driving experience. Under the hood, the contrast is notable: the Audi Quattro uses a Inline-5 Turbo 20V (RR) displacing 2,226 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 5.9 seconds. Rarity plays a significant role here — with only 456 units built, the 1978 BMW M1 Standard is considerably scarcer than the Audi Quattro's 11,452 examples. On the collector market, the 1978 BMW M1 Standard commands a significant premium over the 1980 Audi Quattro Ur-Quattro (20V Turbo), reflecting differences in prestige and rarity. From a collectibility standpoint, the 1978 BMW M1 Standard rates higher among enthusiasts and auction houses.