1996 Rover 200 vs. 1972 Rover 2000
To start off, 1996 Rover 200 is newer by 24 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 Rover 2000. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 Rover 2000 would be higher. At 1,978 cc (4 cylinders), 1972 Rover 2000 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1972 Rover 2000 (106 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 4 more horse power than 1996 Rover 200. (102 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1972 Rover 2000 should accelerate faster than 1996 Rover 200. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 Rover 2000 weights approximately 265 kg more than 1996 Rover 200. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1972 Rover 2000 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 1972 Rover 2000. 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, 1972 Rover 2000 (172 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 45 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Rover 200. (127 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1972 Rover 2000 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Rover 200.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Rover 200 | 1972 Rover 2000 | |
| Make | Rover | Rover |
| Model | 200 | 2000 |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1972 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1396 cc | 1978 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 102 HP | 106 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 127 Nm | 172 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1030 kg | 1295 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3980 mm | 4550 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2510 mm | 2640 mm |
