1966 Rover P5 vs. 1973 Rover P5B
To start off, 1973 Rover P5B is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1966 Rover P5. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1966 Rover P5 would be higher. At 3,528 cc (8 cylinders), 1973 Rover P5B is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1973 Rover P5B (158 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 36 more horse power than 1966 Rover P5. (122 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1973 Rover P5B should accelerate faster than 1966 Rover P5. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1966 Rover P5 weights approximately 150 kg more than 1973 Rover P5B.
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, 1973 Rover P5B (295 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 78 more torque (in Nm) than 1966 Rover P5. (217 Nm @ 2650 RPM). This means 1973 Rover P5B will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1966 Rover P5. 1973 Rover P5B has automatic transmission and 1966 Rover P5 has manual transmission. 1966 Rover P5 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1973 Rover P5B will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1966 Rover P5 | 1973 Rover P5B | |
| Make | Rover | Rover |
| Model | P5 | P5B |
| Year Released | 1966 | 1973 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Size | 2995 cc | 3528 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 122 HP | 158 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 217 Nm | 295 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2650 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1730 kg | 1580 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4750 mm | 4750 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1480 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2820 mm | 2820 mm |
