UK vs United Kingdom — 1963 vs 1968
| P5 3-Litre Coupe | P6 3500 | |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 134 hp | 144 hp |
| Torque | 175 lb-ft | 200 lb-ft |
| Engine Size | 2,995 cc | 3,528 cc |
| 0-60 mph | 16.5 sec | 10.1 sec |
| Top Speed | 104 mph | 117 mph |
| ¼ Mile | — | 17.2 sec |
| Weight | 3,451 lbs | 2,976 lbs |
| Wheelbase | 2,794 mm | 2,629 mm |
| Length | 4,699 mm | 4,495 mm |
| Units Produced | 69,141 | 322,302 |
| Original MSRP | $5,100 | — |
| Value (Excellent) | $55,000 | $35,000 |
| Collectibility | 7/10 | 6/10 |
| Rarity | 5/10 | 4/10 |
It's a closely fought contest. The 1963 Rover P5 3-Litre Coupe brings greater rarity, stronger collectibility to the table, and the 1968 Rover P6 3500 answers with quicker acceleration, higher top speed, lighter weight. Both are excellent machines that reward their owners in different ways — there's no wrong answer here.
Rover has long offered a diverse lineup, and comparing the 1963 Rover P5 3-Litre Coupe with the 1968 Rover P6 3500 highlights the breadth of the marque's engineering philosophy. On paper, the two are remarkably close in power output, with the 1963 Rover P5 3-Litre Coupe producing 134 hp and the 1968 Rover P6 3500 delivering 144 hp. Under the hood, the contrast is notable: the Rover P5 uses a Inline-6 IOE displacing 2,995 cc, while the Rover P6 relies on a V8 OHV (Buick-derived aluminium) with 3,528 cc. In the sprint to 60 mph, the 1968 Rover P6 3500 edges ahead at 10.1 seconds versus 16.5 seconds. The Rover P6 carries a weight advantage, tipping the scales 475 lbs lighter. Rarity plays a significant role here — with only 69,141 units built, the 1963 Rover P5 3-Litre Coupe is considerably scarcer than the Rover P6's 322,302 examples. Both trade at comparable values on the collector market, making the choice between them largely one of personal preference.