Performance data and technical specs are based on the model from 1978.
Acceleration (0-100 km/h): 5.9 sec.
Topspeed (mph): 163
Acceleration (0-60 mph): 5.9 sec.
Cylinders: S6
Displacement: 3453 ccm (3.5 l)
Engine Power: 273 hp (204 kw)
Gears: Manual, 5-speed
Weight: 1300kg (2867 lbs)
Weight/Power ratio: 4.76 kg/hp
Power/Displacement ratio: 79.06 hp/l
Metric performance data, BMW M1 compared with similar cars:
| BMW M1 | Jaguar XJ-S V12 | Lamborghini Urraco Silhouette | Maserati Kyalami | |
| Topspeed (km/h): | 262 | 246 | 255 | 237 |
| Acceleration (0-100 km/h): | 5.9 | 6.7 | 8.0 | |
| Power: | 273 hp (204 kw) | 285 hp (212 kw) | 261 hp (195 kw) | 270 hp (201 kw) |
| Weight (kg): | 1300 | 1681 | 1300 | 1691 |
English performance data, BMW M1 compared with similar cars:
| BMW M1 | Jaguar XJ-S V12 | Lamborghini Urraco Silhouette | Maserati Kyalami | |
| Topspeed (mph): | 163 | 153 | 158 | 147 |
| Acceleration (0-60 mph): | 5.9 | 6.7 | 8.0 | |
| Power: | 273 hp (204 kw) | 285 hp (212 kw) | 261 hp (195 kw) | 270 hp (201 kw) |
| Weight (lbs): | 2867 | 3707 | 2867 | 3729 |
