2009 BMW M3 vs. 1958 Rover P5
To start off, 2009 BMW M3 is newer by 51 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1958 Rover P5. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1958 Rover P5 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 308 more horse power than 1958 Rover P5. (106 HP @ 4500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 1958 Rover P5.
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 (295 Nm @ 3900 RPM) has 73 more torque (in Nm) than 1958 Rover P5. (222 Nm @ 1500 RPM). This means 2009 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1958 Rover P5.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 BMW M3 | 1958 Rover P5 | |
| Make | BMW | Rover |
| Model | M3 | P5 |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1958 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3999 cc | 2995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 414 HP | 106 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8300 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Torque | 295 Nm | 222 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3900 RPM | 1500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 12.0:1 | 8.8:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 249 km/hour | 150 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Length | 4590 mm | 4750 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1540 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2820 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 63 L |
