1972 Rover 3.5 vs. 2003 TVR Chimaera
To start off, 2003 TVR Chimaera is newer by 31 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 4,546 cc (8 cylinders), 2003 TVR Chimaera is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 TVR Chimaera (282 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 132 more horse power than 1972 Rover 3.5. (150 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 TVR Chimaera 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 575 kg more than 2003 TVR Chimaera.
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, 2003 TVR Chimaera (306 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 30 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 Rover 3.5. (276 Nm @ 2600 RPM). This means 2003 TVR Chimaera will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 Rover 3.5. 1972 Rover 3.5 has automatic transmission and 2003 TVR Chimaera has manual transmission. 2003 TVR Chimaera 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 | 2003 TVR Chimaera | |
| Make | Rover | TVR |
| Model | 3.5 | Chimaera |
| Year Released | 1972 | 2003 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3532 cc | 4546 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 150 HP | 282 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 276 Nm | 306 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2600 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 88.9 mm | 94 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 71.1 mm | 82 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1635 kg | 1060 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4750 mm | 4030 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1550 mm | 1220 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2820 mm | 2290 mm |
