1986 BMW M3 vs. 1958 Rover P5
To start off, 1986 BMW M3 is newer by 28 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1958 Rover P5. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1958 Rover P5 would be higher. At 2,995 cc (6 cylinders), 1958 Rover P5 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1986 BMW M3 (197 HP @ 6750 RPM) has 91 more horse power than 1958 Rover P5. (106 HP @ 4500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1986 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 1958 Rover P5. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1958 Rover P5 weights approximately 410 kg more than 1986 BMW M3.
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, 1986 BMW M3 (240 Nm @ 4750 RPM) has 18 more torque (in Nm) than 1958 Rover P5. (222 Nm @ 1500 RPM). This means 1986 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1958 Rover P5. 1958 Rover P5 has automatic transmission and 1986 BMW M3 has manual transmission. 1986 BMW M3 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1958 Rover P5 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1986 BMW M3 | 1958 Rover P5 | |
| Make | BMW | Rover |
| Model | M3 | P5 |
| Year Released | 1986 | 1958 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2302 cc | 2995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 197 HP | 106 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6750 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Torque | 240 Nm | 222 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4750 RPM | 1500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 8.8:1 |
| Top Speed | 235 km/hour | 150 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1170 kg | 1580 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 4750 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1540 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2820 mm |
