1973 BMW 3 vs. 1958 Rover P4
To start off, 1973 BMW 3 is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1958 Rover P4. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1958 Rover P4 would be higher. At 3,153 cc (6 cylinders), 1973 BMW 3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1973 BMW 3 (203 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 124 more horse power than 1958 Rover P4. (79 HP @ 4500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1973 BMW 3 should accelerate faster than 1958 Rover P4. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1958 Rover P4 weights approximately 130 kg more than 1973 BMW 3.
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, 1973 BMW 3 (287 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 99 more torque (in Nm) than 1958 Rover P4. (188 Nm @ 1750 RPM). This means 1973 BMW 3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1958 Rover P4.
Compare all specifications:
| 1973 BMW 3 | 1958 Rover P4 | |
| Make | BMW | Rover |
| Model | 3 | P4 |
| Year Released | 1973 | 1958 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3153 cc | 2636 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 203 HP | 79 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Torque | 287 Nm | 188 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1270 kg | 1400 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4640 mm | 4550 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1630 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2510 mm | 2830 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 52 L |
