1989 Holden Nova vs. 1958 Rover P4
To start off, 1989 Holden Nova is newer by 31 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1958 Rover P4. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1958 Rover P4 would be higher. At 2,636 cc (6 cylinders), 1958 Rover P4 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Holden Nova (90 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 11 more horse power than 1958 Rover P4. (79 HP @ 4500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1989 Holden Nova should accelerate faster than 1958 Rover P4. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1958 Rover P4 weights approximately 380 kg more than 1989 Holden Nova.
Because 1958 Rover P4 is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1958 Rover P4. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1989 Holden Nova, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 1958 Rover P4 (188 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 53 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Holden Nova. (135 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 1958 Rover P4 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 Holden Nova.
Compare all specifications:
| 1989 Holden Nova | 1958 Rover P4 | |
| Make | Holden | Rover |
| Model | Nova | P4 |
| Year Released | 1989 | 1958 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1587 cc | 2636 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 90 HP | 79 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Torque | 135 Nm | 188 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1020 kg | 1400 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4000 mm | 4550 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1630 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2830 mm |
