1972 Rover 3.5 vs. 2005 Rover 45
To start off, 2005 Rover 45 is newer by 33 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 35 more horse power than 2005 Rover 45. (115 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1972 Rover 3.5 should accelerate faster than 2005 Rover 45. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 Rover 3.5 weights approximately 500 kg more than 2005 Rover 45. 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, 2005 Rover 45, 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 138 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Rover 45. (138 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1972 Rover 3.5 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Rover 45. 1972 Rover 3.5 has automatic transmission and 2005 Rover 45 has manual transmission. 2005 Rover 45 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 | 2005 Rover 45 | |
| Make | Rover | Rover |
| Model | 3.5 | 45 |
| Year Released | 1972 | 2005 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3532 cc | 1586 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 150 HP | 115 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 276 Nm | 138 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2600 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 88.9 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 71.1 mm | 79 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1635 kg | 1135 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4750 mm | 4550 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1550 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2820 mm | 2630 mm |
