1996 Rover 200 vs. 1958 Rover P4
To start off, 1996 Rover 200 is newer by 38 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1958 Rover P4. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1958 Rover P4 would be higher. At 2,636 cc (6 cylinders), 1958 Rover P4 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Rover 200 (143 HP @ 6750 RPM) has 64 more horse power than 1958 Rover P4. (79 HP @ 4500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Rover 200 should accelerate faster than 1958 Rover P4. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1958 Rover P4 weights approximately 340 kg more than 1996 Rover 200.
Because 1958 Rover P4 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 1958 Rover P4. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1996 Rover 200, 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, 1958 Rover P4 (188 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 14 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Rover 200. (174 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1958 Rover P4 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Rover 200.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Rover 200 | 1958 Rover P4 | |
| Make | Rover | Rover |
| Model | 200 | P4 |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1958 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1794 cc | 2636 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 143 HP | 79 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6750 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Torque | 174 Nm | 188 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1060 kg | 1400 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3980 mm | 4550 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1630 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2510 mm | 2830 mm |
