1989 Rover 216 vs. 2012 BMW 120
To start off, 2012 BMW 120 is newer by 23 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1989 Rover 216. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1989 Rover 216 would be higher. At 1,995 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 BMW 120 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 BMW 120 (170 HP @ 6700 RPM) has 56 more horse power than 1989 Rover 216. (114 HP @ 6300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 BMW 120 should accelerate faster than 1989 Rover 216. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 BMW 120 weights approximately 295 kg more than 1989 Rover 216. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2012 BMW 120 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 2012 BMW 120. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1989 Rover 216, 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, 2012 BMW 120 (190 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 49 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Rover 216. (141 Nm @ 5200 RPM). This means 2012 BMW 120 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 Rover 216.
Compare all specifications:
| 1989 Rover 216 | 2012 BMW 120 | |
| Make | Rover | BMW |
| Model | 216 | 120 |
| Year Released | 1989 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1590 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 114 HP | 170 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 6700 RPM |
| Torque | 141 Nm | 190 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5200 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1080 kg | 1375 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4230 mm | 4360 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1950 mm | 1748 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1423 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2550 mm | 2660 mm |
