1972 Rover 3.5 vs. 2009 Volvo C30
To start off, 2009 Volvo C30 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 Volvo C30 (227 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 77 more horse power than 1972 Rover 3.5. (150 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Volvo C30 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 37 kg more than 2009 Volvo C30.
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, 2009 Volvo C30, 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, 2009 Volvo C30 (320 Nm @ 1500 RPM) has 44 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 Rover 3.5. (276 Nm @ 2600 RPM). This means 2009 Volvo C30 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 2009 Volvo C30 has manual transmission. 2009 Volvo C30 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 | 2009 Volvo C30 | |
| Make | Rover | Volvo |
| Model | 3.5 | C30 |
| Year Released | 1972 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3532 cc | 2520 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 150 HP | 227 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 276 Nm | 320 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2600 RPM | 1500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 88.9 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 71.1 mm | 96 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1635 kg | 1598 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4750 mm | 4260 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1550 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2820 mm | 2650 mm |
