1998 Rover 400 vs. 2009 BMW 320
To start off, 2009 BMW 320 is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Rover 400. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Rover 400 would be higher. At 1,995 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 BMW 320 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 BMW 320 (168 HP @ 6100 RPM) has 66 more horse power than 1998 Rover 400. (102 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW 320 should accelerate faster than 1998 Rover 400. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 BMW 320 weights approximately 400 kg more than 1998 Rover 400. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2009 BMW 320 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 2009 BMW 320. 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, 2009 BMW 320 (210 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 28 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Rover 400. (182 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2009 BMW 320 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Rover 400. 2009 BMW 320 has automatic transmission and 1998 Rover 400 has manual transmission. 1998 Rover 400 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 BMW 320 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Rover 400 | 2009 BMW 320 | |
| Make | Rover | BMW |
| Model | 400 | 320 |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1394 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 102 HP | 168 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6100 RPM |
| Torque | 182 Nm | 210 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 75 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79 mm | 72 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1120 kg | 1520 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4320 mm | 4480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2730 mm |
