1997 Rover 800 vs. 1973 Rover 3.5 Litre
To start off, 1997 Rover 800 is newer by 24 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 Rover 3.5 Litre. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 Rover 3.5 Litre would be higher. At 3,532 cc (8 cylinders), 1973 Rover 3.5 Litre is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Rover 800 (173 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 23 more horse power than 1973 Rover 3.5 Litre. (150 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Rover 800 should accelerate faster than 1973 Rover 3.5 Litre. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1973 Rover 3.5 Litre weights approximately 200 kg more than 1997 Rover 800.
Because 1973 Rover 3.5 Litre 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 1973 Rover 3.5 Litre. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1997 Rover 800, 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, 1973 Rover 3.5 Litre (276 Nm @ 2600 RPM) has 36 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Rover 800. (240 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1973 Rover 3.5 Litre will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Rover 800.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Rover 800 | 1973 Rover 3.5 Litre | |
| Make | Rover | Rover |
| Model | 800 | 3.5 Litre |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1973 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2497 cc | 3532 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 173 HP | 150 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 240 Nm | 276 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1435 kg | 1635 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4890 mm | 4750 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1550 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2780 mm | 2820 mm |
