1990 Rover 400 vs. 2009 BMW 530
To start off, 2009 BMW 530 is newer by 19 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1990 Rover 400. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1990 Rover 400 would be higher. At 2,996 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 BMW 530 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 BMW 530 (268 HP @ 6700 RPM) has 174 more horse power than 1990 Rover 400. (94 HP @ 6250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW 530 should accelerate faster than 1990 Rover 400. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 BMW 530 weights approximately 579 kg more than 1990 Rover 400. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2009 BMW 530 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 2009 BMW 530. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1990 Rover 400, 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, 2009 BMW 530 (320 Nm @ 2750 RPM) has 194 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 Rover 400. (126 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2009 BMW 530 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 Rover 400. 2009 BMW 530 has automatic transmission and 1990 Rover 400 has manual transmission. 1990 Rover 400 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 BMW 530 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1990 Rover 400 | 2009 BMW 530 | |
| Make | Rover | BMW |
| Model | 400 | 530 |
| Year Released | 1990 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1396 cc | 2996 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 94 HP | 268 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6250 RPM | 6700 RPM |
| Torque | 126 Nm | 320 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1026 kg | 1605 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4370 mm | 4850 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1850 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2560 mm | 2890 mm |
