1978 BMW M1 vs. 1955 Rover P4
To start off, 1978 BMW M1 is newer by 23 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1955 Rover P4. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1955 Rover P4 would be higher. At 3,453 cc (6 cylinders), 1978 BMW M1 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 BMW M1 (273 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 199 more horse power than 1955 Rover P4. (74 HP @ 4200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1978 BMW M1 should accelerate faster than 1955 Rover P4. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1955 Rover P4 weights approximately 90 kg more than 1978 BMW M1.
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, 1978 BMW M1 (330 Nm) has 180 more torque (in Nm) than 1955 Rover P4. (150 Nm). This means 1978 BMW M1 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1955 Rover P4.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 BMW M1 | 1955 Rover P4 | |
| Make | BMW | Rover |
| Model | M1 | P4 |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1955 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 3453 cc | 2102 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 273 HP | 74 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 330 Nm | 150 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 93.5 mm | 65.2 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84 mm | 105 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 7.3:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1300 kg | 1390 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4370 mm | 4590 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1670 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1140 mm | 1620 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2830 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 116 L | 52 L |
