1999 BMW 330 vs. 1972 Rover 3.5
To start off, 1999 BMW 330 is newer by 27 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 Rover 3.5. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 Rover 3.5 would be higher. At 3,532 cc (8 cylinders), 1972 Rover 3.5 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 BMW 330 (228 HP @ 5900 RPM) has 78 more horse power than 1972 Rover 3.5. (150 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1999 BMW 330 should accelerate faster than 1972 Rover 3.5. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 Rover 3.5 weights approximately 60 kg more than 1999 BMW 330.
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, 1999 BMW 330 (300 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 24 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 Rover 3.5. (276 Nm @ 2600 RPM). This means 1999 BMW 330 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 Rover 3.5. 1972 Rover 3.5 has automatic transmission and 1999 BMW 330 has manual transmission. 1999 BMW 330 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1972 Rover 3.5 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1999 BMW 330 | 1972 Rover 3.5 | |
| Make | BMW | Rover |
| Model | 330 | 3.5 |
| Year Released | 1999 | 1972 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2977 cc | 3532 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 228 HP | 150 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5900 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 300 Nm | 276 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 88.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89.6 mm | 71.1 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1575 kg | 1635 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 4750 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1550 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2820 mm |
