UK vs United Kingdom — 1958 vs 1968
| P5B 3.5 Coupe V8 | P6 3500 | |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 161 hp | 144 hp |
| Torque | 210 lb-ft | 200 lb-ft |
| Engine Size | 3,528 cc | 3,528 cc |
| 0-60 mph | 10.5 sec | 10.1 sec |
| Top Speed | 110 mph | 117 mph |
| ¼ Mile | 17.5 sec | 17.2 sec |
| Weight | 3,451 lbs | 2,976 lbs |
| Wheelbase | 2,794 mm | 2,629 mm |
| Length | 4,712 mm | 4,495 mm |
| Units Produced | 11,501 | 322,302 |
| Original MSRP | $5,200 | — |
| Value (Excellent) | $55,000 | $35,000 |
| Collectibility | 7/10 | 6/10 |
| Rarity | 5/10 | 4/10 |
Two outstanding machines, each with compelling strengths. The 1958 Rover P5B 3.5 Coupe V8 excels in more power, greater rarity, stronger collectibility, while the 1968 Rover P6 3500 stands out for quicker acceleration, higher top speed, lighter weight. The best advice? Drive both if you can, then follow your instincts.
The 1958 Rover P5B 3.5 Coupe V8 and 1968 Rover P6 3500 share a manufacturer in Rover, but that's where the similarities get interesting. These two models reveal the versatility and ambition of the Rover brand. On paper, the two are remarkably close in power output, with the 1958 Rover P5B 3.5 Coupe V8 producing 161 hp and the 1968 Rover P6 3500 delivering 144 hp. Under the hood, the contrast is notable: the Rover P5B uses a V8 OHV displacing 3,528 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 10.5 seconds. The Rover P6 carries a weight advantage, tipping the scales 475 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.