2009 BMW M3 vs. 1955 Rover P4
To start off, 2009 BMW M3 is newer by 54 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1955 Rover P4. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1955 Rover P4 would be higher. At 3,999 cc (8 cylinders), 2009 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 BMW M3 (414 HP @ 8300 RPM) has 344 more horse power than 1955 Rover P4. (70 HP @ 4500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 1955 Rover P4. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 BMW M3 weights approximately 125 kg more than 1955 Rover P4. 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, 2009 BMW M3 (400 Nm @ 3900 RPM) has 247 more torque (in Nm) than 1955 Rover P4. (153 Nm @ 1750 RPM). This means 2009 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1955 Rover P4.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 BMW M3 | 1955 Rover P4 | |
| Make | BMW | Rover |
| Model | M3 | P4 |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1955 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3999 cc | 2230 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 414 HP | 70 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8300 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Torque | 400 Nm | 153 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3900 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1525 kg | 1400 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4620 mm | 4540 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1420 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1760 mm | 1620 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2830 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 45 L |
