2003 BMW M3 vs. 1957 Rover P4
To start off, 2003 BMW M3 is newer by 46 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1957 Rover P4. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1957 Rover P4 would be higher. At 3,168 cc (6 cylinders), 2003 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 BMW M3 (342 HP @ 7900 RPM) has 272 more horse power than 1957 Rover P4. (70 HP @ 4500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 1957 Rover P4. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1957 Rover P4 weights approximately 15 kg more than 2003 BMW M3.
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, 2003 BMW M3 (350 Nm @ 4900 RPM) has 197 more torque (in Nm) than 1957 Rover P4. (153 Nm @ 1750 RPM). This means 2003 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1957 Rover P4.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 BMW M3 | 1957 Rover P4 | |
| Make | BMW | Rover |
| Model | M3 | P4 |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1957 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3168 cc | 2230 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 342 HP | 70 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7900 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Torque | 350 Nm | 153 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4900 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87 mm | 73 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 91 mm | 88.9 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1385 kg | 1400 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4500 mm | 4540 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1630 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2830 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 45 L |
