1971 BMW 3 vs. 1972 Rover 3.5
To start off, 1972 Rover 3.5 is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 BMW 3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 BMW 3 would be higher. At 3,532 cc (8 cylinders), 1972 Rover 3.5 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1971 BMW 3 (180 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 30 more horse power than 1972 Rover 3.5. (150 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1971 BMW 3 should accelerate faster than 1972 Rover 3.5. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 Rover 3.5 weights approximately 255 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, 1972 Rover 3.5 (276 Nm @ 2600 RPM) has 21 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 BMW 3. (255 Nm @ 3700 RPM). This means 1972 Rover 3.5 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 BMW 3. 1972 Rover 3.5 has automatic transmission and 1971 BMW 3 has manual transmission. 1971 BMW 3 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1972 Rover 3.5 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 BMW 3 | 1972 Rover 3.5 | |
| Make | BMW | Rover |
| Model | 3 | 3.5 |
| Year Released | 1971 | 1972 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2986 cc | 3532 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 180 HP | 150 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 255 Nm | 276 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3700 RPM | 2600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89 mm | 88.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 80 mm | 71.1 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1380 kg | 1635 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4740 mm | 4750 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1550 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2820 mm |
