1988 BMW M3 vs. 1957 Rover P4
To start off, 1988 BMW M3 is newer by 31 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1957 Rover P4. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1957 Rover P4 would be higher. At 2,303 cc (4 cylinders), 1988 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 BMW M3 (221 HP @ 6750 RPM) has 170 more horse power than 1957 Rover P4. (51 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1988 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 1957 Rover P4. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1957 Rover P4 weights approximately 180 kg more than 1988 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, 1988 BMW M3 (245 Nm @ 4750 RPM) has 107 more torque (in Nm) than 1957 Rover P4. (138 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1988 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1957 Rover P4.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 BMW M3 | 1957 Rover P4 | |
| Make | BMW | Rover |
| Model | M3 | P4 |
| Year Released | 1988 | 1957 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2303 cc | 1997 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 221 HP | 51 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6750 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 245 Nm | 138 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4750 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1200 kg | 1380 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 4550 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1510 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1620 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2690 mm | 2830 mm |
