1997 BMW M3 vs. 1957 Rover P4
To start off, 1997 BMW M3 is newer by 40 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1957 Rover P4. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1957 Rover P4 would be higher. At 3,201 cc (6 cylinders), 1997 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 BMW M3 (240 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 189 more horse power than 1957 Rover P4. (51 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 1957 Rover P4. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1957 Rover P4 weights approximately 80 kg more than 1997 BMW M3.
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, 1997 BMW M3 (236 Nm) has 98 more torque (in Nm) than 1957 Rover P4. (138 Nm). This means 1997 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1957 Rover P4.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 BMW M3 | 1957 Rover P4 | |
| Make | BMW | Rover |
| Model | M3 | P4 |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1957 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3201 cc | 1997 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 240 HP | 51 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 236 Nm | 138 Nm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1300 kg | 1380 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4550 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1620 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2830 mm |
