2008 BMW 318 vs. 1971 Rover P6
To start off, 2008 BMW 318 is newer by 37 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Rover P6. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Rover P6 would be higher. At 3,532 cc (8 cylinders), 1971 Rover P6 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1971 Rover P6 (150 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 30 more horse power than 2008 BMW 318. (120 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1971 Rover P6 should accelerate faster than 2008 BMW 318. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 BMW 318 weights approximately 285 kg more than 1971 Rover P6.
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, 2008 BMW 318 (280 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 6 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 Rover P6. (274 Nm @ 2750 RPM). This means 2008 BMW 318 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 Rover P6.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 BMW 318 | 1971 Rover P6 | |
| Make | BMW | Rover |
| Model | 318 | P6 |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1971 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 3532 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 120 HP | 150 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 280 Nm | 274 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1750 RPM | 2750 RPM |
| Top Speed | 199 km/hour | 192 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1580 kg | 1295 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4530 mm | 4570 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2630 mm |
