2009 BMW 130 vs. 1996 Rover 600
To start off, 2009 BMW 130 is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Rover 600. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Rover 600 would be higher. At 2,996 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 BMW 130 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 BMW 130 (261 HP @ 6600 RPM) has 141 more horse power than 1996 Rover 600. (120 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW 130 should accelerate faster than 1996 Rover 600. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 BMW 130 weights approximately 160 kg more than 1996 Rover 600. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2009 BMW 130 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 2009 BMW 130. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1996 Rover 600, 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, 2009 BMW 130 (315 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 155 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Rover 600. (160 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 2009 BMW 130 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Rover 600. 2009 BMW 130 has automatic transmission and 1996 Rover 600 has manual transmission. 1996 Rover 600 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 BMW 130 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 BMW 130 | 1996 Rover 600 | |
| Make | BMW | Rover |
| Model | 130 | 600 |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2996 cc | 1850 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 261 HP | 120 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6600 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 315 Nm | 160 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.7:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1415 kg | 1255 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4230 mm | 4650 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1440 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1760 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2730 mm |
