1972 Rover 3.5 vs. 1979 Subaru DL
To start off, 1979 Subaru DL is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 Rover 3.5. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 Rover 3.5 would be higher. At 3,532 cc (8 cylinders), 1972 Rover 3.5 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1972 Rover 3.5 (150 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 83 more horse power than 1979 Subaru DL. (67 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1972 Rover 3.5 should accelerate faster than 1979 Subaru DL. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 Rover 3.5 weights approximately 695 kg more than 1979 Subaru DL. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1972 Rover 3.5 is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1972 Rover 3.5. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1979 Subaru DL, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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 162 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Subaru DL. (114 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1972 Rover 3.5 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Subaru DL. 1972 Rover 3.5 has automatic transmission and 1979 Subaru DL has manual transmission. 1979 Subaru DL 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:
| 1972 Rover 3.5 | 1979 Subaru DL | |
| Make | Rover | Subaru |
| Model | 3.5 | DL |
| Year Released | 1972 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3532 cc | 1595 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 150 HP | 67 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 276 Nm | 114 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2600 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 88.9 mm | 91.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 71.1 mm | 60 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1635 kg | 940 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4750 mm | 4160 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1550 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2820 mm | 2470 mm |
