1985 BMW M5 vs. 1956 Rover P4
To start off, 1985 BMW M5 is newer by 29 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 3,453 cc (6 cylinders), 1985 BMW M5 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1985 BMW M5 (256 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 148 more horse power than 1956 Rover P4. (108 HP @ 4250 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1985 BMW M5 should accelerate faster than 1956 Rover P4. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1985 BMW M5 weights approximately 52 kg more than 1956 Rover P4. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 1985 BMW M5 (290 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 84 more torque (in Nm) than 1956 Rover P4. (206 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1985 BMW M5 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1956 Rover P4.
Compare all specifications:
| 1985 BMW M5 | 1956 Rover P4 | |
| Make | BMW | Rover |
| Model | M5 | P4 |
| Year Released | 1985 | 1956 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3453 cc | 2636 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 256 HP | 108 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Torque | 290 Nm | 206 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 91.9 mm | 73 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86.1 mm | 105 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.0:1 | 8.5:1 |
| Top Speed | 245 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 | 1500 kg | 1448 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4630 mm | 4530 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1670 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1320 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2830 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 52 L |
