1956 Rover P4 vs. 1972 Rover 3.5
To start off, 1972 Rover 3.5 is newer by 16 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1956 Rover P4. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1956 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 42 more horse power than 1956 Rover P4. (108 HP @ 4250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1972 Rover 3.5 should accelerate faster than 1956 Rover P4. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 Rover 3.5 weights approximately 149 kg more than 1956 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 70 more torque (in Nm) than 1956 Rover P4. (206 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1972 Rover 3.5 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1956 Rover P4.
Compare all specifications:
| 1956 Rover P4 | 1972 Rover 3.5 | |
| Make | Rover | Rover |
| Model | P4 | 3.5 |
| Year Released | 1956 | 1972 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2638 cc | 3532 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 108 HP | 150 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4250 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 206 Nm | 276 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 2600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 73 mm | 88.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 105 mm | 71.1 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1486 kg | 1635 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4530 mm | 4750 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1670 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1550 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2830 mm | 2820 mm |
