1968 BMW 1600 vs. 1974 Rover 3.5
To start off, 1974 Rover 3.5 is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1968 BMW 1600. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1968 BMW 1600 would be higher. At 3,532 cc (8 cylinders), 1974 Rover 3.5 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1974 Rover 3.5 (149 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 49 more horse power than 1968 BMW 1600. (100 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1974 Rover 3.5 should accelerate faster than 1968 BMW 1600. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 Rover 3.5 weights approximately 648 kg more than 1968 BMW 1600. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Let's talk about torque, 1974 Rover 3.5 (276 Nm @ 2600 RPM) has 116 more torque (in Nm) than 1968 BMW 1600. (160 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1974 Rover 3.5 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1968 BMW 1600.
Compare all specifications:
| 1968 BMW 1600 | 1974 Rover 3.5 | |
| Make | BMW | Rover |
| Model | 1600 | 3.5 |
| Year Released | 1968 | 1974 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1990 cc | 3532 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 100 HP | 149 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 160 Nm | 276 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89 mm | 88.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 80 mm | 71.1 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 990 kg | 1638 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4240 mm | 4750 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1600 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1550 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2510 mm | 2820 mm |
