1971 BMW 3 vs. 1956 Rover P4
To start off, 1971 BMW 3 is newer by 15 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 2,986 cc (6 cylinders), 1971 BMW 3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1971 BMW 3 (180 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 72 more horse power than 1956 Rover P4. (108 HP @ 4250 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1971 BMW 3 should accelerate faster than 1956 Rover P4. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1956 Rover P4 weights approximately 68 kg more than 1971 BMW 3.
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, 1971 BMW 3 (255 Nm @ 3700 RPM) has 49 more torque (in Nm) than 1956 Rover P4. (206 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1971 BMW 3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1956 Rover P4.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 BMW 3 | 1956 Rover P4 | |
| Make | BMW | Rover |
| Model | 3 | P4 |
| Year Released | 1971 | 1956 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2986 cc | 2636 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 180 HP | 108 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Torque | 255 Nm | 206 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3700 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89 mm | 73 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 80 mm | 105 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 8.5:1 |
| Top Speed | 211 km/hour | 153 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1380 kg | 1448 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4740 mm | 4530 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1670 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1320 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2830 mm |
