1985 BMW M5 vs. 1972 Rover 3.5
To start off, 1985 BMW M5 is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 Rover 3.5. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 Rover 3.5 would be higher. At 3,532 cc (8 cylinders), 1972 Rover 3.5 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1985 BMW M5 (256 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 106 more horse power than 1972 Rover 3.5. (150 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1985 BMW M5 should accelerate faster than 1972 Rover 3.5. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 Rover 3.5 weights approximately 135 kg more than 1985 BMW M5.
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 14 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 Rover 3.5. (276 Nm @ 2600 RPM). This means 1985 BMW M5 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 Rover 3.5. 1972 Rover 3.5 has automatic transmission and 1985 BMW M5 has manual transmission. 1985 BMW M5 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1972 Rover 3.5 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1985 BMW M5 | 1972 Rover 3.5 | |
| Make | BMW | Rover |
| Model | M5 | 3.5 |
| Year Released | 1985 | 1972 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3453 cc | 3532 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 256 HP | 150 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 290 Nm | 276 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 2600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 91.9 mm | 88.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86.1 mm | 71.1 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1500 kg | 1635 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4630 mm | 4750 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1550 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2820 mm |
