2005 BMW M3 vs. 1959 Rover P5
To start off, 2005 BMW M3 is newer by 46 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1959 Rover P5. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 Rover P5 would be higher. At 3,244 cc (6 cylinders), 2005 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 BMW M3 (320 HP @ 7400 RPM) has 214 more horse power than 1959 Rover P5. (106 HP @ 4500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2005 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 1959 Rover P5. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 BMW M3 weights approximately 106 kg more than 1959 Rover P5. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 2005 BMW M3 (337 Nm) has 115 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Rover P5. (222 Nm). This means 2005 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Rover P5.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 BMW M3 | 1959 Rover P5 | |
| Make | BMW | Rover |
| Model | M3 | P5 |
| Year Released | 2005 | 1959 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3244 cc | 2995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 320 HP | 106 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7400 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Torque | 337 Nm | 222 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 87 mm | 77.8 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 91 mm | 105 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.5:1 | 8.8:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1690 kg | 1584 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4500 mm | 4750 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1540 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2740 mm | 2820 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 63 L |
