5 replies to this topic

[Jacinto]

As told in my dad's Rover 213 topic, here are some differences I came across because I own both versions.

 

The Rover 213/216 series was a product that the British brand in cooperation with Honda, so that both companies could benefit from it. Honda would learn something about the European preferences and tastes, and Rover would have a fine basis to work on (they were a bit "tight" on money to make their own). And also, Rover needed something to erase some reliability failures in the past: what could do it best than some Japanese products, in the 80's?

 

So, Rover took some 3rd gen Honda Civic 4Ds, and made some changes in order to have more appeal for the european market.

 

The first ones, from 1985 to 1986, were the most similar to the equivalent Civics. Changes consisted on:

 

Rover seats. They were the same that were used on other Austin-Rover products, at the time.

New front and rear end.

They used a different radiator, with an expansion tank and no radiator cap.

The exhaust sistem was different, with just one silencer in the middle section, and two at the back. It proved to be quieter than the Civic.

The Rover also has a little bit more concern with the soundproofing subject.

Suspension changes were made. I never got to know what have they done exactly, but I think they had their own spring rates. I drove a 1985 Civic, and I could tell it was not as comfortable as my 1985 213, partly because of the seats, and partly because of the suspension. But, I had more fun on the Civic, to be honest. And also, Rover 213s are normally higher than Civics.

The instrument panel is a little bit different, with an 80's square design touch to it. And it has green illumination.

 

In Portugal, normally we have the higher specification model, the Rover 213SE. As standard, we have 4 electric windows, digital clock, chrome window surroundings, rear defroster, rear armrest, among other things I can't remember right now.

 

But now, the pre vs post restyle comparison:

Interior:

 

The first thing you notice, is the lack of the centre console in the pre-restyle (mk1). All mk2s have it as standard. So, the gear stick gaiter is smaller in the mk1.

 

 

Mk2:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

And the knob is different, too. The mk2 knob touch is better.

 

mk1:

 

 

 

mk2:

 

 

 

 

 

The heater control graphism is different.

 

Mk1:

 

 

 

mk2:

 

 

 

 

[Jacinto]

The steering wheel is thinner on the mk1, and it feels far more "plastic". The mk2 has more of a rubber, softer touch to it.

 

 

mk1:

 

 

mk2:

 

 

 

The indicators/lights/wipers stalks are different (the mk2 has just about the same parts than the newer Honda models)

 

mk1:

 

 

 

 

mk2:

 

 

 

 

The seats have a different design, and different headrests. The mk2 ones are reclinable.

 

mk1:

 

 

 

 

 

mk2:

 

 

[Jacinto]

The interior door panels are not the same. The mk1 parts are similar to the Civic, just with some wood attached to it and chrome strips on the handles. And these are in plastic. The mk2 ones are all-Rover made, in fiber, covered with cloth (I know this isn't the name of the material... It is a cheaper kind of leather. In Portuguese, it is called "napa", but I don't know how you say it in english).

 

mk1:

 

 

 

 

 

 

mk2:

 

 

 

 

As you can see, the wood inserts are in different places:

 

 

[Jacinto]

And the mk2 always brings front tweeters.

 

mk1:

 

 

 

 

 

Interior door handles are also different.

 

 

 

 

 

The power window control unit is on the door on the mk1. On the mk2, it is on the centre console, and buttons are different. They are illuminated, and they come from other Austin-Rover products (Range Rover, and MG F also used them).

 

mk1:

 

 

 

mk2:

 

 

[Jacinto]

The digital clock is a different unit, and on a different place, in both cars. On the mk1, it just turns on when the key is on the 2nd position, and has more of a "microwave display" look to it. It is situated on the same place as the Civic, near the ventilation exits.

 

On the mk2, it is always on, but when the ignition key is on the 2nd position, the light turns on. It is situated where the radio is, on the mk1/Civic. (The radio on the mk2 is on the centre console, and on its previous place we have the clock, electric mirrors' control, and a small space for... Well, garbage. That's where I put my highway tollbooth and gas station receipts... But one day it will be something else!)

 

mk1:

 

 

 

 

 

 

mk2:

 

 

 

 

The radio location, as said before:

 

mk1:

 

 

 

 

 

The lighter has a different design (the mk2 is the same of newer Honda/Rover models)

 

mk1:

 

 

mk2:

 

[Jacinto]

The headlining is different. The mk1's cloth is much more rough than the mk2's. And also, the mk2's has a sponge layer on top of the cloth.

 

mk1:

 

 

 

 

mk2: (I was lucky enough to find a Civic with roof console on the scrapyard... This never came on the 213's!)

 

 

 

 

The rear shelf is different (plain on the mk1, curvy on the mk2). The speaker surrounding is also different.

 

 

mk1:

 

mk2: (rear headrests were never available on the 213. I fitted those )

 

 

 

The courtesy light is different. This time, it is actually better on the mk1 (the same as the Civic). It has 3 positions, on, off, or on when doors are open. The mk2 only had on or on when doors are open... If you wanted it off, you would have to spend a few time trying to find the middle of the control. But when I bought the roof console, it had the Civic light. So, no pics, sorry.

 

mk1:

 

 

 

And as far as I saw, these were all the interior differences.