2003 BMW 318 vs. 1977 Rover 2600
To start off, 2003 BMW 318 is newer by 26 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 2,596 cc (6 cylinders), 1977 Rover 2600 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1977 Rover 2600 (136 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 23 more horse power than 2003 BMW 318. (113 HP @ 5750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1977 Rover 2600 should accelerate faster than 2003 BMW 318. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 BMW 318 weights approximately 42 kg more than 1977 Rover 2600.
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, 1977 Rover 2600 (206 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 31 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 BMW 318. (175 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 1977 Rover 2600 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 BMW 318. 1977 Rover 2600 has automatic transmission and 2003 BMW 318 has manual transmission. 2003 BMW 318 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:
| 2003 BMW 318 | 1977 Rover 2600 | |
| Make | BMW | Rover |
| Model | 318 | 2600 |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1977 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 2596 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 113 HP | 136 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 175 Nm | 206 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 81 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 9.3:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1390 kg | 1348 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 4710 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1840 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2820 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 65 L |
