1981 BMW 520 vs. 1956 Rover P4
To start off, 1981 BMW 520 is newer by 25 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1956 Rover P4. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1956 Rover P4 would be higher. At 2,636 cc (6 cylinders), 1956 Rover P4 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 BMW 520 (123 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 15 more horse power than 1956 Rover P4. (108 HP @ 4250 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1981 BMW 520 should accelerate faster than 1956 Rover P4. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1956 Rover P4 weights approximately 228 kg more than 1981 BMW 520.
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, 1956 Rover P4 (206 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 36 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 BMW 520. (170 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1956 Rover P4 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 BMW 520.
Compare all specifications:
1981 BMW 520 | 1956 Rover P4 | |
Make | BMW | Rover |
Model | 520 | P4 |
Year Released | 1981 | 1956 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1991 cc | 2636 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 123 HP | 108 HP |
Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 4250 RPM |
Torque | 170 Nm | 206 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2500 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 73 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 66 mm | 105 mm |
Engine Compression Ratio | 9.8:1 | 8.5:1 |
Top Speed | 185 km/hour | 153 km/hour |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1220 kg | 1448 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4630 mm | 4530 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1670 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1320 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2830 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 52 L |