1996 BMW Z3 vs. 1959 Rover P4
To start off, 1996 BMW Z3 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 2,926 cc (6 cylinders), 1996 BMW Z3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 BMW Z3 (201 HP @ 5300 RPM) has 134 more horse power than 1959 Rover P4. (67 HP @ 4250 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 BMW Z3 should accelerate faster than 1959 Rover P4. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1959 Rover P4 weights approximately 217 kg more than 1996 BMW Z3.
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 Z3 (275 Nm @ 3950 RPM) has 106 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Rover P4. (169 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1996 BMW Z3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Rover P4. 1996 BMW Z3 has automatic transmission and 1959 Rover P4 has manual transmission. 1959 Rover P4 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1996 BMW Z3 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 BMW Z3 | 1959 Rover P4 | |
| Make | BMW | Rover |
| Model | Z3 | P4 |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1959 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2926 cc | 2286 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 201 HP | 67 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Torque | 275 Nm | 169 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3950 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 90.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84 mm | 88.9 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1255 kg | 1472 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4030 mm | 4450 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1670 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1290 mm | 1630 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2830 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 51 L | 52 L |
