2008 BMW 650 vs. 1997 Rover 200
To start off, 2008 BMW 650 is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Rover 200. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Rover 200 would be higher. At 4,799 cc (8 cylinders), 2008 BMW 650 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 BMW 650 (360 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 258 more horse power than 1997 Rover 200. (102 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 BMW 650 should accelerate faster than 1997 Rover 200. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 BMW 650 weights approximately 610 kg more than 1997 Rover 200. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2008 BMW 650 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 650. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1997 Rover 200, 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, 2008 BMW 650 (488 Nm @ 3400 RPM) has 360 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Rover 200. (128 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2008 BMW 650 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Rover 200.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 BMW 650 | 1997 Rover 200 | |
| Make | BMW | Rover |
| Model | 650 | 200 |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1997 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4799 cc | 1396 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 360 HP | 102 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 488 Nm | 128 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1640 kg | 1030 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5050 mm | 3980 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1480 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2790 mm | 2510 mm |
