1981 BMW 528 vs. 2001 Rover 45
To start off, 2001 Rover 45 is newer by 20 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 BMW 528. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 BMW 528 would be higher. At 2,788 cc (6 cylinders), 1981 BMW 528 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 BMW 528 (181 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 79 more horse power than 2001 Rover 45. (102 HP @ 6250 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1981 BMW 528 should accelerate faster than 2001 Rover 45. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 BMW 528 weights approximately 195 kg more than 2001 Rover 45. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1981 BMW 528 is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1981 BMW 528. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2001 Rover 45, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 1981 BMW 528 (240 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 112 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 Rover 45. (128 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1981 BMW 528 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 Rover 45.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 BMW 528 | 2001 Rover 45 | |
| Make | BMW | Rover |
| Model | 528 | 45 |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2001 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2788 cc | 1396 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 181 HP | 102 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 6250 RPM |
| Torque | 240 Nm | 128 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86 mm | 75 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 80 mm | 79 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1300 kg | 1105 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4630 mm | 4370 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2630 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 54 L |
