2008 BMW 120 vs. 1996 Rover 800
To start off, 2008 BMW 120 is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Rover 800. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Rover 800 would be higher. At 2,497 cc (6 cylinders), 1996 Rover 800 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Rover 800 (174 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 26 more horse power than 2008 BMW 120. (148 HP @ 6200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Rover 800 should accelerate faster than 2008 BMW 120. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Rover 800 weights approximately 160 kg more than 2008 BMW 120. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2008 BMW 120 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 2008 BMW 120. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1996 Rover 800, 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, 1996 Rover 800 (240 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 40 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 BMW 120. (200 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 1996 Rover 800 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 BMW 120.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 BMW 120 | 1996 Rover 800 | |
| Make | BMW | Rover |
| Model | 120 | 800 |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1996 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 2497 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 174 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 200 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1275 kg | 1435 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4230 mm | 4890 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2780 mm |
