2009 BMW 650 vs. 1974 Rover 3.5
To start off, 2009 BMW 650 is newer by 35 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 4,799 cc (8 cylinders), 2009 BMW 650 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 BMW 650 (362 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 213 more horse power than 1974 Rover 3.5. (149 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW 650 should accelerate faster than 1974 Rover 3.5. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 Rover 3.5 weights approximately 113 kg more than 2009 BMW 650.
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, 2009 BMW 650 (490 Nm @ 3400 RPM) has 214 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Rover 3.5. (276 Nm @ 2600 RPM). This means 2009 BMW 650 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 2009 BMW 650 has manual transmission. 2009 BMW 650 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:
| 2009 BMW 650 | 1974 Rover 3.5 | |
| Make | BMW | Rover |
| Model | 650 | 3.5 |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1974 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4799 cc | 3532 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 362 HP | 149 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 490 Nm | 276 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 2600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1525 kg | 1638 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4830 mm | 4750 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1380 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1860 mm | 1550 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2790 mm | 2820 mm |
