1954 BMW 502 vs. 1956 Rover P4
To start off, 1956 Rover P4 is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1954 BMW 502. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1954 BMW 502 would be higher. At 2,638 cc (6 cylinders), 1956 Rover P4 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1956 Rover P4 (108 HP @ 4250 RPM) has 8 more horse power than 1954 BMW 502. (100 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1956 Rover P4 should accelerate faster than 1954 BMW 502. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1956 Rover P4 weights approximately 76 kg more than 1954 BMW 502. 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, 1954 BMW 502 (221 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 15 more torque (in Nm) than 1956 Rover P4. (206 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1954 BMW 502 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1956 Rover P4. 1956 Rover P4 has automatic transmission and 1954 BMW 502 has manual transmission. 1954 BMW 502 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1956 Rover P4 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1954 BMW 502 | 1956 Rover P4 | |
| Make | BMW | Rover |
| Model | 502 | P4 |
| Year Released | 1954 | 1956 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2578 cc | 2638 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 100 HP | 108 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Torque | 221 Nm | 206 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 74 mm | 73 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75 mm | 105 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 6.9:1 | 8.5:1 |
| Top Speed | 166 km/hour | 151 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1410 kg | 1486 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4710 mm | 4530 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1670 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1530 mm | 1320 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2830 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 52 L |
