1981 BMW 628 vs. 1974 Rover 3.5
To start off, 1981 BMW 628 is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Rover 3.5. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Rover 3.5 would be higher. At 3,532 cc (8 cylinders), 1974 Rover 3.5 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 BMW 628 (181 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 32 more horse power than 1974 Rover 3.5. (149 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1981 BMW 628 should accelerate faster than 1974 Rover 3.5. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 Rover 3.5 weights approximately 168 kg more than 1981 BMW 628.
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, 1974 Rover 3.5 (276 Nm @ 2600 RPM) has 36 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 BMW 628. (240 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1974 Rover 3.5 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 BMW 628. 1974 Rover 3.5 has automatic transmission and 1981 BMW 628 has manual transmission. 1981 BMW 628 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1974 Rover 3.5 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 BMW 628 | 1974 Rover 3.5 | |
| Make | BMW | Rover |
| Model | 628 | 3.5 |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1974 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2788 cc | 3532 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 181 HP | 149 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 240 Nm | 276 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86 mm | 88.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 80 mm | 71.1 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1470 kg | 1638 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4760 mm | 4750 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1550 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2640 mm | 2820 mm |
