1997 BMW S3 vs. 1953 Rover P4
To start off, 1997 BMW S3 is newer by 44 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1953 Rover P4. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1953 Rover P4 would be higher. At 3,201 cc (6 cylinders), 1997 BMW S3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 BMW S3 (260 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 167 more horse power than 1953 Rover P4. (93 HP @ 4500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 BMW S3 should accelerate faster than 1953 Rover P4. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1953 Rover P4 weights approximately 118 kg more than 1997 BMW S3.
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 S3 (330 Nm) has 143 more torque (in Nm) than 1953 Rover P4. (187 Nm). This means 1997 BMW S3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1953 Rover P4.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 BMW S3 | 1953 Rover P4 | |
| Make | BMW | Rover |
| Model | S3 | P4 |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1953 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3201 cc | 2638 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 260 HP | 93 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Torque | 330 Nm | 187 Nm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.2:1 | 7.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1368 kg | 1486 kg |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1670 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1630 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2830 mm |
