2003 BMW X3 vs. 1971 Rover 3.5 Litre
To start off, 2003 BMW X3 is newer by 32 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, 2003 BMW X3 (189 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 41 more horse power than 1971 Rover 3.5 Litre. (148 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 BMW X3 should accelerate faster than 1971 Rover 3.5 Litre. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 BMW X3 weights approximately 177 kg more than 1971 Rover 3.5 Litre. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2003 BMW X3 is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1971 Rover 3.5 Litre. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 BMW X3 will offer significantly more control. 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 31 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 BMW X3. (245 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1971 Rover 3.5 Litre will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 BMW X3. 1971 Rover 3.5 Litre has automatic transmission and 2003 BMW X3 has manual transmission. 2003 BMW X3 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1971 Rover 3.5 Litre will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 BMW X3 | 1971 Rover 3.5 Litre | |
| Make | BMW | Rover |
| Model | X3 | 3.5 Litre |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1971 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2494 cc | 3532 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 189 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 245 Nm | 276 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 88.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75 mm | 71.1 mm |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1815 kg | 1638 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4570 mm | 4750 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1680 mm | 1550 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2820 mm |
