Here is the first video of the F20 1-series 5-door hatchback. It’s a short one, but it’s the first live motion clip of the next generation BMW 1-series, and first live comparison to its predecessor, the E87 hatchback. As you watch the video, keep in mind however that the E87 is an M-sport model, so the comparison isn’t exactly apples-to-apples so to speak.
This particular red F20 is the “Sport Line” model. Compared to the E87, the body is 85 millimeters (3.35 inches) longer, wheelbase 30 millimeters (1.18 inches) longer, front track 51 millimeters (2 inches) wider, and rear track 72 millimeters (2.83 inches) wider.
Now that the first photos of the F20 1-series have hit the web, we’ve put together a photo comparison of the F20 1-series hatchback versus its closest German rivals - the Audi A3 hatchback and VW Golf.
Autobild recently conducted another track comparison review involving the BMW 1-series M Coupe. Stepping into the ring this time were the Audi RS 3 and the Ford Focus RS 500. The results? The BMW 1M wins, with the Audi finishing second and the Ford last. As seen in the test data below, the Audi with its AWD Quattro is the quickest in a straight line. The Audi also offers the most compliant ride according to Autobild. However, once the cars hit the track, the tide quickly turned. The 1M was already roughly 4 tenths faster than the RS 3 after the first lap. The gap opened further in subsequent laps due to the Audi’s front weight, AWD bias, and tire/brake fade. The Ford Focus RS … CONTINUED
Autocar’s recently released their print version of their BMW 1M vs. Cayman R comparison in their magazine, and now here’s the video version. The video is inside for your enjoyment. Here’s a hint on the results - it’s close!
Car Enthusiast drives the BMW 1M back-to-back against the Porsche Cayman R and comes in with their verdict - “the M is the one we’d take home.” How do they arrive at this conclusion? See analysis inside.
Our review of the BMW 1M coupe from last week’s BMW west coast press drive event at the Willow Springs International Raceway has been posted. We wondered if there would be any unique perspective for us to share with our readers. We hope so. We’ve shared our opinion on how the 1M compares to the M3 on the road from an M3 owner’s perspective, how the 1M performs on the track according to a BMW performance driving instructor with 25 years of racing experience, and a description of the Willow Springs experience (as well as tips on negotiating the track). We hope you enjoy and find our review helpful.
The M3POST vs. MBWORLD Royal Purple Forum Wars episode has just aired. The race pitted M3POST member Drake Kemper in his E92 M3 versus his opponent in a C63 AMG and included a quarter mile run, an autocross run, and a slalom. We won’t spoil the results for you, so see inside.
The inspiration for the BMW 1M coupe is said to be drawn from the E30 M3. BMW likes to say that the 1M is the spiritual successor to the original M3. In fact, all of the engineers who worked on the 1M coupe were required to drive and become familiar with the E30 M3 during development. That’s how much BMW wanted the 1M coupe to emulate the E30 M3’s original spirit, while of course also accommodating for current safety required designs, customer wants, and reasonable build price. The two designs also share some common styling elements, such as aggressively flared fenders, a boxy design, upright seating position, and an overall pugnacious look.
Following our recent press test drive of the 1M coupe at Willow Springs (more on … CONTINUED
Here is the first set of comparison photos of the 1M coupe versus the E46 M3. Many feel that the 1M’s squat stance with aggressively flared fenders harks back to the similarly aggressive stance and shape of the E46 M3. We tend to agree. Judge for yourself in these photos.
