1972 BMW 3 vs. 1970 Rover P5B

To start off, 1972 BMW 3 is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1970 Rover P5B. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1970 Rover P5B would be higher. At 3,527 cc (8 cylinders), 1970 Rover P5B is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1972 BMW 3 (197 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 39 more horse power than 1970 Rover P5B. (158 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1972 BMW 3 should accelerate faster than 1970 Rover P5B. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1970 Rover P5B weights approximately 310 kg more than 1972 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, 1970 Rover P5B (295 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 23 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 BMW 3. (272 Nm @ 4300 RPM). This means 1970 Rover P5B will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 BMW 3. 1970 Rover P5B has automatic transmission and 1972 BMW 3 has manual transmission. 1972 BMW 3 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1970 Rover P5B will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.

Compare all specifications:

1972 BMW 3 1970 Rover P5B
Make BMW Rover
Model 3 P5B
Year Released 1972 1970
Body Type Coupe Coupe
Engine Size 3003 cc 3527 cc
Engine Cylinders 6 cylinders 8 cylinders
Engine Type in-line in-line
Horse Power 197 HP 158 HP
Engine RPM 5500 RPM 5200 RPM
Torque 272 Nm 295 Nm
Torque RPM 4300 RPM 3000 RPM
Drive Type Rear Rear
Transmission Type Manual Automatic
Vehicle Weight 1270 kg 1580 kg
Vehicle Length 4640 mm 4750 mm
Vehicle Width 1740 mm 1790 mm
Vehicle Height 1380 mm 1480 mm
Wheelbase Size 2630 mm 2820 mm


 

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