1973 Rover P5B vs. 1996 Rover 400
To start off, 1996 Rover 400 is newer by 23 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 Rover P5B. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 Rover P5B would be higher. At 3,526 cc (8 cylinders), 1973 Rover P5B is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1973 Rover P5B (158 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 56 more horse power than 1996 Rover 400. (102 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1973 Rover P5B should accelerate faster than 1996 Rover 400. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1973 Rover P5B weights approximately 470 kg more than 1996 Rover 400. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1973 Rover P5B 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 1973 Rover P5B. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1996 Rover 400, 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, 1973 Rover P5B (295 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 113 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Rover 400. (182 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1973 Rover P5B will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Rover 400. 1973 Rover P5B has automatic transmission and 1996 Rover 400 has manual transmission. 1996 Rover 400 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1973 Rover P5B will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1973 Rover P5B | 1996 Rover 400 | |
| Make | Rover | Rover |
| Model | P5B | 400 |
| Year Released | 1973 | 1996 |
| Engine Size | 3526 cc | 1396 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 158 HP | 102 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 295 Nm | 182 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1590 kg | 1120 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4750 mm | 4320 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1550 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2820 mm | 2630 mm |
