1961 AC Cobra vs. 2008 BMW 118
To start off, 2008 BMW 118 is newer by 47 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 129 more horse power than 2008 BMW 118. (127 HP @ 5750 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1961 AC Cobra should accelerate faster than 2008 BMW 118. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 BMW 118 weights approximately 280 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 185 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 BMW 118. (180 Nm @ 3250 RPM). This means 1961 AC Cobra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 BMW 118. 2008 BMW 118 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. 2008 BMW 118 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1961 AC Cobra | 2008 BMW 118 | |
| Make | AC | BMW |
| Model | Cobra | 118 |
| Year Released | 1961 | 2008 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4265 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 256 HP | 127 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5750 RPM |
| Torque | 365 Nm | 180 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 3250 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 10.2:1 |
| 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 | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 980 kg | 1260 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3850 mm | 4230 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1560 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1250 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2290 mm | 2670 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 68 L | 50 L |
