1956 Rover P4 vs. 1990 Rover 400
To start off, 1990 Rover 400 is newer by 34 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 2,638 cc (6 cylinders), 1956 Rover P4 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1990 Rover 400 (115 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 7 more horse power than 1956 Rover P4. (108 HP @ 4250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1990 Rover 400 should accelerate faster than 1956 Rover P4. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1956 Rover P4 weights approximately 411 kg more than 1990 Rover 400.
Because 1956 Rover P4 is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1956 Rover P4. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1990 Rover 400, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 1956 Rover P4 (206 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 62 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 Rover 400. (144 Nm @ 5200 RPM). This means 1956 Rover P4 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 Rover 400. 1956 Rover P4 has automatic transmission and 1990 Rover 400 has manual transmission. 1990 Rover 400 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:
| 1956 Rover P4 | 1990 Rover 400 | |
| Make | Rover | Rover |
| Model | P4 | 400 |
| Year Released | 1956 | 1990 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2638 cc | 1590 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 108 HP | 115 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4250 RPM | 6300 RPM |
| Torque | 206 Nm | 144 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 73 mm | 75 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 105 mm | 90 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1486 kg | 1075 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4530 mm | 4370 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1670 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2830 mm | 2560 mm |
