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

Porsche ditches Bugatti as tensions with Mate Rimac come to a head
Bugatti Tourbillon – side
News

Porsche ditches Bugatti as tensions with Mate Rimac come to a head

Mate Rimac joins forces with investment firm to take full control of hypercar company
24 Apr 2026
I fell in love with the Honda Civic Type R, until it started fighting me
Civic Type R interior
Opinion

I fell in love with the Honda Civic Type R, until it started fighting me

Porter can tolerate the tsunami of active safety features, but not their inaccuracy
23 Apr 2026
Why you've probably been driving the Audi TT RS wrong this whole time
Audi TT RS fast fleet front
Long term tests

Why you've probably been driving the Audi TT RS wrong this whole time

My Audi TT RS coupe reveals its strong suit on a most unlikely road
22 Apr 2026