1949 Rover P4 vs. 1972 Rover 3.5
To start off, 1972 Rover 3.5 is newer by 23 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1949 Rover P4. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1949 Rover P4 would be higher. At 3,532 cc (8 cylinders), 1972 Rover 3.5 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1972 Rover 3.5 (150 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 76 more horse power than 1949 Rover P4. (74 HP @ 4200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1972 Rover 3.5 should accelerate faster than 1949 Rover P4. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 Rover 3.5 weights approximately 184 kg more than 1949 Rover P4. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. Let's talk about torque, 1972 Rover 3.5 (276 Nm @ 2600 RPM) has 126 more torque (in Nm) than 1949 Rover P4. (150 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1972 Rover 3.5 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1949 Rover P4. 1972 Rover 3.5 has automatic transmission and 1949 Rover P4 has manual transmission. 1949 Rover P4 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1972 Rover 3.5 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1949 Rover P4 | 1972 Rover 3.5 | |
| Make | Rover | Rover |
| Model | P4 | 3.5 |
| Year Released | 1949 | 1972 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2102 cc | 3532 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 74 HP | 150 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4200 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 150 Nm | 276 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 2600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 65.2 mm | 88.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 105 mm | 71.1 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1451 kg | 1635 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4590 mm | 4750 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1620 mm | 1550 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2830 mm | 2820 mm |
