Porsche 911

vs

BMW M1

Germany vs Germany — 1975 vs 1978

Porsche 911 (1975)
BMW M1 (1978)
Specifications
911 Turbo (930)M1 Standard
Horsepower300 hp277 hp
Torque304 lb-ft243 lb-ft
Engine Size3,299 cc3,453 cc
0-60 mph5.0 sec5.3 sec
Top Speed162 mph163 mph
¼ Mile13.5 sec13.8 sec
Weight2,866 lbs3,164 lbs
Wheelbase2,272 mm2,560 mm
Length4,291 mm4,360 mm
Units Produced21,589456
Original MSRP$62,000$100,000
Value (Excellent)$300,000$800,000
Collectibility9/1010/10
Rarity5/1010/10
The Verdict

It's a closely fought contest. The 1975 Porsche 911 Turbo (930) brings quicker acceleration, lighter weight, better value to the table, and the 1978 BMW M1 Standard answers with higher top speed, greater rarity, stronger collectibility. Both are excellent machines that reward their owners in different ways — there's no wrong answer here.

Overview

In the world of Sports Car cars, few comparisons generate as much discussion as the 1975 Porsche 911 Turbo (930) versus the 1978 BMW M1 Standard. Both hail from Malaise era and represent the pinnacle of their respective manufacturers' ambitions. The 1975 Porsche 911 Turbo (930) holds a clear advantage in raw power with 300 hp compared to 277 hp, a 23-horsepower difference that shapes the driving experience. Under the hood, the contrast is notable: the Porsche 911 uses a Flat-6 SOHC Turbocharged air-cooled displacing 3,299 cc, while the BMW M1 relies on a Inline-6 with 3,453 cc. In the sprint to 60 mph, the 1975 Porsche 911 Turbo (930) edges ahead at 5.0 seconds versus 5.3 seconds. The Porsche 911 carries a weight advantage, tipping the scales 298 lbs lighter. Rarity plays a significant role here — with only 456 units built, the 1978 BMW M1 Standard is considerably scarcer than the Porsche 911's 21,589 examples. On the collector market, the 1978 BMW M1 Standard commands a significant premium over the 1975 Porsche 911 Turbo (930), reflecting differences in prestige and rarity.