1976 BMW 3.3 vs. 1959 Rover P5
To start off, 1976 BMW 3.3 is newer by 17 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1959 Rover P5. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 Rover P5 would be higher. At 3,295 cc (6 cylinders), 1976 BMW 3.3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1976 BMW 3.3 (194 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 88 more horse power than 1959 Rover P5. (106 HP @ 4500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1976 BMW 3.3 should accelerate faster than 1959 Rover P5. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1959 Rover P5 weights approximately 90 kg more than 1976 BMW 3.3.
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, 1976 BMW 3.3 (285 Nm @ 4300 RPM) has 63 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Rover P5. (222 Nm @ 1500 RPM). This means 1976 BMW 3.3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Rover P5.
Compare all specifications:
| 1976 BMW 3.3 | 1959 Rover P5 | |
| Make | BMW | Rover |
| Model | 3.3 | P5 |
| Year Released | 1976 | 1959 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3295 cc | 2995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 194 HP | 106 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Torque | 285 Nm | 222 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4300 RPM | 1500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89 mm | 77.8 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86 mm | 105 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 8.8:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1494 kg | 1584 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 4750 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1540 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2800 mm | 2820 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 78 L | 63 L |
