2002 Mazda 2 vs. 1971 Rover 3.5 Litre
To start off, 2002 Mazda 2 is newer by 31 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Rover 3.5 Litre. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Rover 3.5 Litre would be higher. At 3,532 cc (8 cylinders), 1971 Rover 3.5 Litre is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1971 Rover 3.5 Litre (148 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 70 more horse power than 2002 Mazda 2. (78 HP @ 5700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1971 Rover 3.5 Litre should accelerate faster than 2002 Mazda 2. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1971 Rover 3.5 Litre weights approximately 503 kg more than 2002 Mazda 2. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1971 Rover 3.5 Litre 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 1971 Rover 3.5 Litre. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2002 Mazda 2, 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, 1971 Rover 3.5 Litre (276 Nm @ 2600 RPM) has 152 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Mazda 2. (124 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1971 Rover 3.5 Litre will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Mazda 2.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Mazda 2 | 1971 Rover 3.5 Litre | |
| Make | Mazda | Rover |
| Model | 2 | 3.5 Litre |
| Year Released | 2002 | 1971 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1388 cc | 3532 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 78 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 124 Nm | 276 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 76 mm | 88.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.5 mm | 71.1 mm |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1135 kg | 1638 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3930 mm | 4750 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1550 mm | 1550 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2500 mm | 2820 mm |
