UK vs UK — 1958 vs 1963
| P5B 3.5 Coupe V8 | P6 3500 V8 | |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 161 hp | 144 hp |
| Torque | 210 lb-ft | 196 lb-ft |
| Engine Size | 3,528 cc | 3,528 cc |
| 0-60 mph | 10.5 sec | 9.2 sec |
| Top Speed | 110 mph | 120 mph |
| ¼ Mile | 17.5 sec | 17.0 sec |
| Weight | 3,451 lbs | 2,954 lbs |
| Wheelbase | 2,794 mm | 2,641 mm |
| Length | 4,712 mm | 4,483 mm |
| Units Produced | 11,501 | 322,302 |
| Original MSRP | $5,200 | — |
| Value (Excellent) | $55,000 | $40,000 |
| Collectibility | 7/10 | 6/10 |
| Rarity | 5/10 | 4/10 |
It's a closely fought contest. The 1958 Rover P5B 3.5 Coupe V8 brings more power, greater rarity, stronger collectibility to the table, and the 1963 Rover P6 3500 V8 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 1958 Rover P5B 3.5 Coupe V8 with the 1963 Rover P6 3500 V8 highlights the breadth of the marque's engineering philosophy. On paper, the two are remarkably close in power output, with the 1958 Rover P5B 3.5 Coupe V8 producing 161 hp and the 1963 Rover P6 3500 V8 delivering 144 hp. In the sprint to 60 mph, the 1963 Rover P6 3500 V8 edges ahead at 9.2 seconds versus 10.5 seconds. The Rover P6 carries a weight advantage, tipping the scales 497 lbs lighter. Rarity plays a significant role here — with only 11,501 units built, the 1958 Rover P5B 3.5 Coupe V8 is considerably scarcer than the Rover P6's 322,302 examples.