1961 AC Cobra vs. 1996 BMW 540
To start off, 1996 BMW 540 is newer by 35 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 4,396 cc (8 cylinders), 1996 BMW 540 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 BMW 540 (282 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 26 more horse power than 1961 AC Cobra. (256 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 BMW 540 should accelerate faster than 1961 AC Cobra. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 BMW 540 weights approximately 865 kg more than 1961 AC Cobra. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 1996 BMW 540 (440 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 75 more torque (in Nm) than 1961 AC Cobra. (365 Nm @ 4800 RPM). This means 1996 BMW 540 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1961 AC Cobra. 1996 BMW 540 has automatic transmission and 1961 AC Cobra has manual transmission. 1961 AC Cobra will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1996 BMW 540 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1961 AC Cobra | 1996 BMW 540 | |
| Make | AC | BMW |
| Model | Cobra | 540 |
| Year Released | 1961 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4265 cc | 4396 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 256 HP | 282 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 365 Nm | 440 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 980 kg | 1845 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3850 mm | 4810 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1560 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1250 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2290 mm | 2840 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 68 L | 70 L |
