1986 BMW M5 vs. 1955 Rover P4
To start off, 1986 BMW M5 is newer by 31 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1955 Rover P4. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1955 Rover P4 would be higher. At 3,428 cc (6 cylinders), 1986 BMW M5 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1986 BMW M5 (218 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 139 more horse power than 1955 Rover P4. (79 HP @ 4500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1986 BMW M5 should accelerate faster than 1955 Rover P4. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1986 BMW M5 weights approximately 119 kg more than 1955 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, 1986 BMW M5 (310 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 122 more torque (in Nm) than 1955 Rover P4. (188 Nm @ 1750 RPM). This means 1986 BMW M5 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1955 Rover P4. 1986 BMW M5 has automatic transmission and 1955 Rover P4 has manual transmission. 1955 Rover P4 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1986 BMW M5 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1986 BMW M5 | 1955 Rover P4 | |
| Make | BMW | Rover |
| Model | M5 | P4 |
| Year Released | 1986 | 1955 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3428 cc | 2638 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 218 HP | 79 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Torque | 310 Nm | 188 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1519 kg | 1400 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4630 mm | 4550 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1630 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2830 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 120 L | 52 L |
