1972 Rover 3.5 vs. 2011 Mazda 6
To start off, 2011 Mazda 6 is newer by 39 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, 2011 Mazda 6 (153 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 3 more horse power than 1972 Rover 3.5. (150 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Mazda 6 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 200 kg more than 2011 Mazda 6.
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, 2011 Mazda 6, 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 83 more torque (in Nm) than 2011 Mazda 6. (193 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1972 Rover 3.5 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2011 Mazda 6.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 Rover 3.5 | 2011 Mazda 6 | |
| Make | Rover | Mazda |
| Model | 3.5 | 6 |
| Year Released | 1972 | 2011 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3532 cc | 1999 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 150 HP | 153 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 276 Nm | 193 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2600 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 5-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1635 kg | 1435 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4750 mm | 4755 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1795 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1550 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2820 mm | 2789 mm |
