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

Recommended

New Aston Martin Vantage S revealed – Ferrari Amalfi rival is more powerful and focused
Aston Martin Vantage S front
News

New Aston Martin Vantage S revealed – Ferrari Amalfi rival is more powerful and focused

With a bump in power output among myriad detail changes, the Vantage S could be the ultimate driver’s Aston
8 Jul 2025
The new BMW M2 CS could be another all-time great M car
BMW M2 CS – front
News

The new BMW M2 CS could be another all-time great M car

BMW has applied the CS treatment to the G87 M2 – if it’s anything like its predecessor, it’ll be sensational
3 Jul 2025
The 2025 Carrera 4S is an all-wheel-drive Porsche 911 without hybrid power
Porsche 911 Carrera 4S
News

The 2025 Carrera 4S is an all-wheel-drive Porsche 911 without hybrid power

Porsche adds AWD to the Popular Carrera S lineup, as well as a Targa
2 Jul 2025
Ferrari has no plans to reintroduce manual gearboxes
Ferrari manual
News

Ferrari has no plans to reintroduce manual gearboxes

Ferrari reckons if you want a manual, you should buy a classic, and has no plans to bring back the stick
1 Jul 2025
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

£15k off Alfa Romeo Stelvio Quadrifoglio super SUV
Alfa Romeo Stelvio Quadrifoglio
News

£15k off Alfa Romeo Stelvio Quadrifoglio super SUV

If you have to have an SUV, a Stelvio QV is acceptable. Now it's being heavily discounted.
8 Jul 2025
MST Mk1 Sports is a more affordable less extreme Ford Escort recreation
MST Ford Escort front
News

MST Mk1 Sports is a more affordable less extreme Ford Escort recreation

Costing a tenth of most made-new classics, the MST Mk1 Sports is comparatively accessible
8 Jul 2025
New Aston Martin Vantage S revealed – Ferrari Amalfi rival is more powerful and focused
Aston Martin Vantage S front
News

New Aston Martin Vantage S revealed – Ferrari Amalfi rival is more powerful and focused

With a bump in power output among myriad detail changes, the Vantage S could be the ultimate driver’s Aston
8 Jul 2025