1961 AC Cobra vs. 1977 BMW 320
To start off, 1977 BMW 320 is newer by 16 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1961 AC Cobra. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1961 AC Cobra would be higher. At 4,265 cc (8 cylinders), 1961 AC Cobra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1961 AC Cobra (256 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 134 more horse power than 1977 BMW 320. (122 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1961 AC Cobra should accelerate faster than 1977 BMW 320. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1977 BMW 320 weights approximately 140 kg more than 1961 AC Cobra.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. Let's talk about torque, 1961 AC Cobra (365 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 205 more torque (in Nm) than 1977 BMW 320. (160 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1961 AC Cobra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1977 BMW 320.
Compare all specifications:
| 1961 AC Cobra | 1977 BMW 320 | |
| Make | AC | BMW |
| Model | Cobra | 320 |
| Year Released | 1961 | 1977 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4265 cc | 1989 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 256 HP | 122 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 365 Nm | 160 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 9.2:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 980 kg | 1120 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3850 mm | 4360 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1560 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1250 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2290 mm | 2580 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 68 L | 52 L |
