2008 BMW 318 vs. 1974 Rover 3.5
To start off, 2008 BMW 318 is newer by 34 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Rover 3.5. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Rover 3.5 would be higher. At 3,532 cc (8 cylinders), 1974 Rover 3.5 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1974 Rover 3.5 (149 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 36 more horse power than 2008 BMW 318. (113 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1974 Rover 3.5 should accelerate faster than 2008 BMW 318. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 Rover 3.5 weights approximately 168 kg more than 2008 BMW 318. 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, 2008 BMW 318 (280 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 4 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Rover 3.5. (276 Nm @ 2600 RPM). This means 2008 BMW 318 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Rover 3.5. 1974 Rover 3.5 has automatic transmission and 2008 BMW 318 has manual transmission. 2008 BMW 318 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1974 Rover 3.5 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 BMW 318 | 1974 Rover 3.5 | |
| Make | BMW | Rover |
| Model | 318 | 3.5 |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1974 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 3532 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 113 HP | 149 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 280 Nm | 276 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1750 RPM | 2600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 88.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 71.1 mm |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1470 kg | 1638 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4270 mm | 4750 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1550 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2820 mm |
