1980 BMW M5 vs. 1984 Rover 3500
To start off, 1984 Rover 3500 is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 BMW M5. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 BMW M5 would be higher. At 3,532 cc (8 cylinders), 1984 Rover 3500 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1980 BMW M5 (218 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 31 more horse power than 1984 Rover 3500. (187 HP @ 5280 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1980 BMW M5 should accelerate faster than 1984 Rover 3500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1984 Rover 3500 weights approximately 40 kg more than 1980 BMW M5.
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, 1980 BMW M5 (304 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 6 more torque (in Nm) than 1984 Rover 3500. (298 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1980 BMW M5 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1984 Rover 3500. 1984 Rover 3500 has automatic transmission and 1980 BMW M5 has manual transmission. 1980 BMW M5 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1984 Rover 3500 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 BMW M5 | 1984 Rover 3500 | |
| Make | BMW | Rover |
| Model | M5 | 3500 |
| Year Released | 1980 | 1984 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3453 cc | 3532 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 218 HP | 187 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5280 RPM |
| Torque | 304 Nm | 298 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 93.4 mm | 88.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84 mm | 71.1 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.3:1 | 9.7:1 |
| Top Speed | 228 km/hour | 210 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1391 kg | 1431 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4620 mm | 4730 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2640 mm | 2820 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 66 L |
