2001 BMW M3 vs. 1977 Rover 2600
To start off, 2001 BMW M3 is newer by 24 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1977 Rover 2600. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1977 Rover 2600 would be higher. At 3,246 cc (6 cylinders), 2001 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 BMW M3 (326 HP @ 7900 RPM) has 190 more horse power than 1977 Rover 2600. (136 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2001 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 1977 Rover 2600. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 BMW M3 weights approximately 307 kg more than 1977 Rover 2600. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 2001 BMW M3 (355 Nm @ 4900 RPM) has 149 more torque (in Nm) than 1977 Rover 2600. (206 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 2001 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1977 Rover 2600. 1977 Rover 2600 has automatic transmission and 2001 BMW M3 has manual transmission. 2001 BMW M3 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1977 Rover 2600 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 BMW M3 | 1977 Rover 2600 | |
| Make | BMW | Rover |
| Model | M3 | 2600 |
| Year Released | 2001 | 1977 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3246 cc | 2596 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 326 HP | 136 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7900 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 355 Nm | 206 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4900 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 91 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.5:1 | 9.3:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1655 kg | 1348 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4500 mm | 4710 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1840 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2740 mm | 2820 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 65 L |
