Skip advert
Advertisement

BMW i8 and BMW M1 compared on track

Some say the BMW i8 features inspiration from the BMW M1. Here the two are tested on track...

evo isn't the only title to compare disparate vehicles on track. Our sister title Auto Express (also owned by Dennis Publishing) has been at it too, putting BMW's sports car of the moment - the plug-in hybrid BMW i8 - against its spiritual predecessor, the BMW M1.

The two might not share much mechanically - in fact, the BMW badge is probably the only component with any real similarity - but each features stunning styling and a mid-engined layout. Both are less powerful than you might have expected of a sports car in their respective time periods too, but offer appeal far beyond mere numbers.

Advertisement - Article continues below

Thirty years of development obviously gives the i8 very different performance characteristics to its predecessor, and its economy is even further removed. You'll have to watch the video to see whether one is more fun than the other though - and to see whether the BMW bloodline can be determined even in such different interpretations of the traditional mid-engined sports car.

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

Aston Martin Vantage S review – does it offer enough to take on Porsche's 911 Turbo S
Aston Martin Vantage S front
Reviews

Aston Martin Vantage S review – does it offer enough to take on Porsche's 911 Turbo S

Tweaks to the chassis and aero, plus more power and attitude – in S form, one of our favourite Astons promises even bigger thrills
15 Apr 2026
Citroën C5 Aircross review – quirky, honest SUV offering Range Rover comfort on a budget
Citroën C5 Aircross
In-depth reviews

Citroën C5 Aircross review – quirky, honest SUV offering Range Rover comfort on a budget

When is a generic family crossover not the dullest thing on Earth? When it’s a comfy Citroën glazed in weirdness
9 Apr 2026
The Porsche 911 GT4 Challenge is coming, and it might be the most confusing model ever
Porsche 911 GT4 Challenge
Spy shots

The Porsche 911 GT4 Challenge is coming, and it might be the most confusing model ever

Porsche is readying its replacement for the Cayman GT4 Clubsport racer, the 911 GT4, and we’ve spotted it completing its final testing ahead of its la…
14 Apr 2026