Rover P6

vs

Rover P5B

UK vs UK — 1963 vs 1968

Rover P6 (1963)
Rover P5B (1968)
Specifications
P6 3500 V8P5B 3.5 Litre Coupe
Horsepower144 hp160 hp
Torque196 lb-ft210 lb-ft
Engine Size3,528 cc3,528 cc
0-60 mph9.2 sec11.7 sec
Top Speed120 mph110 mph
¼ Mile17.0 sec
Weight2,954 lbs3,858 lbs
Wheelbase2,641 mm2,819 mm
Length4,483 mm4,775 mm
Units Produced322,3029,099
Value (Excellent)$40,000$35,000
Collectibility6/107/10
Rarity4/106/10
The Verdict

It's a closely fought contest. The 1963 Rover P6 3500 V8 brings quicker acceleration, higher top speed, lighter weight to the table, and the 1968 Rover P5B 3.5 Litre Coupe answers with more power, greater rarity, stronger collectibility. Both are excellent machines that reward their owners in different ways — there's no wrong answer here.

Overview

Rover has long offered a diverse lineup, and comparing the 1963 Rover P6 3500 V8 with the 1968 Rover P5B 3.5 Litre Coupe highlights the breadth of the marque's engineering philosophy. On paper, the two are remarkably close in power output, with the 1963 Rover P6 3500 V8 producing 144 hp and the 1968 Rover P5B 3.5 Litre Coupe delivering 160 hp. In the sprint to 60 mph, the 1963 Rover P6 3500 V8 edges ahead at 9.2 seconds versus 11.7 seconds. The Rover P6 carries a weight advantage, tipping the scales 904 lbs lighter. Rarity plays a significant role here — with only 9,099 units built, the 1968 Rover P5B 3.5 Litre Coupe is considerably scarcer than the Rover P6's 322,302 examples.