1974 Rover 3.5 vs. 2009 Volkswagen Sharan
To start off, 2009 Volkswagen Sharan is newer by 35 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 1 more horse power than 2009 Volkswagen Sharan. (148 HP @ 1800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1974 Rover 3.5 should accelerate faster than 2009 Volkswagen Sharan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Volkswagen Sharan weights approximately 30 kg more than 1974 Rover 3.5.
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, 2009 Volkswagen Sharan, 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 65 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Volkswagen Sharan. (211 Nm @ 1800 RPM). This means 1974 Rover 3.5 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Volkswagen Sharan. 1974 Rover 3.5 has automatic transmission and 2009 Volkswagen Sharan has manual transmission. 2009 Volkswagen Sharan 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 | 2009 Volkswagen Sharan | |
| Make | Rover | Volkswagen |
| Model | 3.5 | Sharan |
| Year Released | 1974 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3532 cc | 1781 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 149 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Torque | 276 Nm | 211 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2600 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 88.9 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 71.1 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 7 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1638 kg | 1668 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4750 mm | 4640 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1550 mm | 1740 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2820 mm | 2850 mm |
