1997 BMW 850 vs. 1990 Rover 400
To start off, 1997 BMW 850 is newer by 7 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 5,379 cc (12 cylinders), 1997 BMW 850 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 BMW 850 (329 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 214 more horse power than 1990 Rover 400. (115 HP @ 6300 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 BMW 850 should accelerate faster than 1990 Rover 400. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 BMW 850 weights approximately 870 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 1997 BMW 850 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 1997 BMW 850. 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, 1997 BMW 850 (490 Nm) has 346 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 Rover 400. (144 Nm). This means 1997 BMW 850 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 Rover 400. 1997 BMW 850 has automatic transmission and 1990 Rover 400 has manual transmission. 1990 Rover 400 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1997 BMW 850 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 BMW 850 | 1990 Rover 400 | |
| Make | BMW | Rover |
| Model | 850 | 400 |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1990 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5379 cc | 1590 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 12 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 329 HP | 115 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 6300 RPM |
| Torque | 490 Nm | 144 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 85.1 mm | 75 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79 mm | 90 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1945 kg | 1075 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4790 mm | 4370 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2690 mm | 2560 mm |
