1996 BMW 523 vs. 1959 Rover P4
To start off, 1996 BMW 523 is newer by 37 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1959 Rover P4. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 Rover P4 would be higher. At 2,494 cc (6 cylinders), 1996 BMW 523 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 BMW 523 (170 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 119 more horse power than 1959 Rover P4. (51 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 BMW 523 should accelerate faster than 1959 Rover P4. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 BMW 523 weights approximately 165 kg more than 1959 Rover P4. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 1996 BMW 523 (245 Nm @ 3950 RPM) has 107 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Rover P4. (138 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1996 BMW 523 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Rover P4.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 BMW 523 | 1959 Rover P4 | |
| Make | BMW | Rover |
| Model | 523 | P4 |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1959 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2494 cc | 1997 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 170 HP | 51 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 245 Nm | 138 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3950 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1545 kg | 1380 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 4550 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1620 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2830 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 54 L |
