2006 BMW 523 vs. 1996 Rover 400
To start off, 2006 BMW 523 is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Rover 400. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Rover 400 would be higher. At 2,497 cc, 2006 BMW 523 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 BMW 523 (175 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 90 more horse power than 1996 Rover 400. (85 HP @ 4500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 BMW 523 should accelerate faster than 1996 Rover 400. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 BMW 523 weights approximately 615 kg more than 1996 Rover 400. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2006 BMW 523 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 2006 BMW 523. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1996 Rover 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, 2006 BMW 523 (230 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 60 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Rover 400. (170 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2006 BMW 523 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Rover 400.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 BMW 523 | 1996 Rover 400 | |
| Make | BMW | Rover |
| Model | 523 | 400 |
| Year Released | 2006 | 1996 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2497 cc | 1993 cc |
| Horse Power | 175 HP | 85 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Torque | 230 Nm | 170 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1835 kg | 1220 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4850 mm | 4320 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2630 mm |
