1972 BMW 520 vs. 1959 Rover P4
To start off, 1972 BMW 520 is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1959 Rover P4. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 Rover P4 would be higher. At 2,625 cc (6 cylinders), 1959 Rover P4 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1972 BMW 520 (113 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 21 more horse power than 1959 Rover P4. (92 HP @ 4250 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1972 BMW 520 should accelerate faster than 1959 Rover P4. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1959 Rover P4 weights approximately 220 kg more than 1972 BMW 520.
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, 1959 Rover P4 (168 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 3 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 BMW 520. (165 Nm @ 3700 RPM). This means 1959 Rover P4 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 BMW 520.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 BMW 520 | 1959 Rover P4 | |
| Make | BMW | Rover |
| Model | 520 | P4 |
| Year Released | 1972 | 1959 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1989 cc | 2625 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 113 HP | 92 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Torque | 165 Nm | 168 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3700 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1230 kg | 1450 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4630 mm | 4540 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1630 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2640 mm | 2830 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 52 L |
