Germany vs Germany — 1978 vs 1984
| M1 Motorsport | 962 Dauer 962 Le Mans | |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 277 hp | 730 hp |
| Torque | 243 lb-ft | 516 lb-ft |
| Engine Size | 3,453 cc | 2,994 cc |
| 0-60 mph | 5.6 sec | 2.6 sec |
| Top Speed | 163 mph | 251 mph |
| ¼ Mile | 13.8 sec | 9.9 sec |
| Weight | 2,866 lbs | 2,315 lbs |
| Wheelbase | 2,560 mm | 2,770 mm |
| Length | 4,360 mm | 4,820 mm |
| Units Produced | 453 | 13 |
| Original MSRP | $115,000 | $1,000,000 |
| Value (Excellent) | $1,500,000 | $5,000,000 |
| Collectibility | 10/10 | 10/10 |
| Rarity | 9/10 | 10/10 |
The 1984 Porsche 962 Dauer 962 Le Mans emerges ahead in most objective measures, offering more power, quicker acceleration, higher top speed. The 1978 BMW M1 Motorsport counters with better value, but the numbers favor its rival. Still, both are remarkable machines, and the final choice often comes down to which driving experience speaks to you.
The 1978 BMW M1 Motorsport and 1984 Porsche 962 Dauer 962 Le Mans stand as two of the most notable Supercar cars from Malaise era. Both emerged during a period of intense competition, and choosing between them remains a passionate debate among collectors. The 1984 Porsche 962 Dauer 962 Le Mans holds a clear advantage in raw power with 730 hp compared to 277 hp, a 453-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 Porsche 962 relies on a Twin-Turbo Flat-6 SOHC with 2,994 cc. In the sprint to 60 mph, the 1984 Porsche 962 Dauer 962 Le Mans edges ahead at 2.6 seconds versus 5.6 seconds. The Porsche 962 carries a weight advantage, tipping the scales 551 lbs lighter. Rarity plays a significant role here — with only 13 units built, the 1984 Porsche 962 Dauer 962 Le Mans is considerably scarcer than the BMW M1's 453 examples. On the collector market, the 1984 Porsche 962 Dauer 962 Le Mans commands a significant premium over the 1978 BMW M1 Motorsport, reflecting differences in prestige and rarity.