1998 BMW 318 vs. 1971 Rover P6
To start off, 1998 BMW 318 is newer by 27 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Rover P6. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Rover P6 would be higher. At 3,532 cc (8 cylinders), 1971 Rover P6 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1971 Rover P6 (150 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 36 more horse power than 1998 BMW 318. (114 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1971 Rover P6 should accelerate faster than 1998 BMW 318. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 BMW 318 weights approximately 150 kg more than 1971 Rover P6.
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, 1971 Rover P6 (274 Nm @ 2750 RPM) has 105 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 BMW 318. (169 Nm @ 3900 RPM). This means 1971 Rover P6 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 BMW 318.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 BMW 318 | 1971 Rover P6 | |
| Make | BMW | Rover |
| Model | 318 | P6 |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1971 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 3532 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 114 HP | 150 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 169 Nm | 274 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3900 RPM | 2750 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1445 kg | 1295 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 4570 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2630 mm |
