1981 BMW 518 vs. 1952 Rover P4
To start off, 1981 BMW 518 is newer by 29 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1952 Rover P4. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1952 Rover P4 would be higher. At 2,101 cc (6 cylinders), 1952 Rover P4 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 BMW 518 (90 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 15 more horse power than 1952 Rover P4. (75 HP @ 4200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1981 BMW 518 should accelerate faster than 1952 Rover P4. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1952 Rover P4 weights approximately 250 kg more than 1981 BMW 518.
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, 1952 Rover P4 (150 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 10 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 BMW 518. (140 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1952 Rover P4 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 BMW 518.
Compare all specifications:
1981 BMW 518 | 1952 Rover P4 | |
Make | BMW | Rover |
Model | 518 | P4 |
Year Released | 1981 | 1952 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1766 cc | 2101 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 90 HP | 75 HP |
Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4200 RPM |
Torque | 140 Nm | 150 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2500 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 89 mm | 65.2 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 71.1 mm | 105 mm |
Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 7.3:1 |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1140 kg | 1390 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4630 mm | 4590 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1670 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1630 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2830 mm |