2003 Proton 400 vs. 1959 Rover P4
To start off, 2003 Proton 400 is newer by 44 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1959 Rover P4. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 Rover P4 would be higher. At 1,997 cc (4 cylinders), 1959 Rover P4 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Proton 400 (74 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 23 more horse power than 1959 Rover P4. (51 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Proton 400 should accelerate faster than 1959 Rover P4. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1959 Rover P4 weights approximately 410 kg more than 2003 Proton 400.
Because 1959 Rover P4 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 1959 Rover P4. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 Proton 400, 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, 1959 Rover P4 (138 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 30 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Proton 400. (108 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1959 Rover P4 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Proton 400.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Proton 400 | 1959 Rover P4 | |
| Make | Proton | Rover |
| Model | 400 | P4 |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1959 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1299 cc | 1997 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 3 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 74 HP | 51 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 108 Nm | 138 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 970 kg | 1380 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4370 mm | 4550 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1620 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2510 mm | 2830 mm |
