1990 Rover 400 vs. 2012 BMW 320
To start off, 2012 BMW 320 is newer by 22 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 1,997 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 BMW 320 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 BMW 320 (182 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 67 more horse power than 1990 Rover 400. (115 HP @ 6300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 BMW 320 should accelerate faster than 1990 Rover 400. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 BMW 320 weights approximately 415 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 2012 BMW 320 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 320. 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, 2012 BMW 320 (270 Nm @ 1250 RPM) has 126 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 Rover 400. (144 Nm @ 5200 RPM). This means 2012 BMW 320 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 Rover 400.
Compare all specifications:
| 1990 Rover 400 | 2012 BMW 320 | |
| Make | Rover | BMW |
| Model | 400 | 320 |
| Year Released | 1990 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1590 cc | 1997 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 115 HP | 182 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 144 Nm | 270 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5200 RPM | 1250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 75 mm | 90.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 84 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1075 kg | 1490 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4370 mm | 4624 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1811 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1429 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2560 mm | 2810 mm |
