1961 AC Cobra vs. 2004 BMW 320
To start off, 2004 BMW 320 is newer by 43 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 88 more horse power than 2004 BMW 320. (168 HP @ 6100 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1961 AC Cobra should accelerate faster than 2004 BMW 320. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 BMW 320 weights approximately 490 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 155 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 BMW 320. (210 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1961 AC Cobra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 BMW 320. 2004 BMW 320 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. 2004 BMW 320 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1961 AC Cobra | 2004 BMW 320 | |
| Make | AC | BMW |
| Model | Cobra | 320 |
| Year Released | 1961 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4265 cc | 2171 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 256 HP | 168 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 6100 RPM |
| Torque | 365 Nm | 210 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 11.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 980 kg | 1470 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3850 mm | 4480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1560 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1250 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2290 mm | 2730 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 68 L | 63 L |
