1961 AC Cobra vs. 2003 BMW 545
To start off, 2003 BMW 545 is newer by 42 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 4,398 cc (8 cylinders), 2003 BMW 545 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 BMW 545 (328 HP @ 6100 RPM) has 72 more horse power than 1961 AC Cobra. (256 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 BMW 545 should accelerate faster than 1961 AC Cobra. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 BMW 545 weights approximately 725 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, 2003 BMW 545 (450 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 85 more torque (in Nm) than 1961 AC Cobra. (365 Nm @ 4800 RPM). This means 2003 BMW 545 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1961 AC Cobra.
Compare all specifications:
| 1961 AC Cobra | 2003 BMW 545 | |
| Make | AC | BMW |
| Model | Cobra | 545 |
| Year Released | 1961 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4265 cc | 4398 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 256 HP | 328 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 6100 RPM |
| Torque | 365 Nm | 450 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 980 kg | 1705 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3850 mm | 4850 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1560 mm | 1850 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1250 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2290 mm | 2840 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 68 L | 70 L |
