1974 Rover 3.5 vs. 1997 Volvo S70
To start off, 1997 Volvo S70 is newer by 23 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Rover 3.5. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Rover 3.5 would be higher. At 3,532 cc (8 cylinders), 1974 Rover 3.5 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1974 Rover 3.5 (149 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 11 more horse power than 1997 Volvo S70. (138 HP @ 6100 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1974 Rover 3.5 should accelerate faster than 1997 Volvo S70. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 Rover 3.5 weights approximately 233 kg more than 1997 Volvo S70. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1974 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 1974 Rover 3.5. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1997 Volvo S70, 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, 1974 Rover 3.5 (276 Nm @ 2600 RPM) has 56 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Volvo S70. (220 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 1974 Rover 3.5 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Volvo S70. 1974 Rover 3.5 has automatic transmission and 1997 Volvo S70 has manual transmission. 1997 Volvo S70 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1974 Rover 3.5 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 Rover 3.5 | 1997 Volvo S70 | |
| Make | Rover | Volvo |
| Model | 3.5 | S70 |
| Year Released | 1974 | 1997 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3532 cc | 2434 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 149 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 6100 RPM |
| Torque | 276 Nm | 220 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2600 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 88.9 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 71.1 mm | 90 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1638 kg | 1405 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4750 mm | 4730 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1550 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2820 mm | 2670 mm |
