1998 Rover 400 vs. 1954 Rover P4
To start off, 1998 Rover 400 is newer by 44 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1954 Rover P4. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1954 Rover P4 would be higher. At 2,228 cc (6 cylinders), 1954 Rover P4 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Rover 400 (102 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 32 more horse power than 1954 Rover P4. (70 HP @ 4500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 Rover 400 should accelerate faster than 1954 Rover P4. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1954 Rover P4 weights approximately 280 kg more than 1998 Rover 400.
Because 1954 Rover P4 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 1954 Rover P4. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1998 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, 1998 Rover 400 (182 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 29 more torque (in Nm) than 1954 Rover P4. (153 Nm @ 1750 RPM). This means 1998 Rover 400 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1954 Rover P4.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Rover 400 | 1954 Rover P4 | |
| Make | Rover | Rover |
| Model | 400 | P4 |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1954 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1394 cc | 2228 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 102 HP | 70 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Torque | 182 Nm | 153 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 75 mm | 73 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79 mm | 88.9 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1120 kg | 1400 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4320 mm | 4540 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1620 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2830 mm |
