1972 Rover 3.5 vs. 2009 BMW 535
To start off, 2009 BMW 535 is newer by 37 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, 2009 BMW 535 (268 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 118 more horse power than 1972 Rover 3.5. (150 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW 535 should accelerate faster than 1972 Rover 3.5. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 BMW 535 weights approximately 100 kg more than 1972 Rover 3.5. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 2009 BMW 535 (560 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 284 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 Rover 3.5. (276 Nm @ 2600 RPM). This means 2009 BMW 535 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 Rover 3.5.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 Rover 3.5 | 2009 BMW 535 | |
| Make | Rover | BMW |
| Model | 3.5 | 535 |
| Year Released | 1972 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3532 cc | 2991 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 150 HP | 268 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 276 Nm | 560 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2600 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 88.9 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 71.1 mm | 90 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1635 kg | 1735 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4750 mm | 4850 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1850 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1550 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2820 mm | 2890 mm |
