1961 AC Cobra vs. 2009 BMW 120
To start off, 2009 BMW 120 is newer by 48 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 2009 BMW 120. (168 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1961 AC Cobra should accelerate faster than 2009 BMW 120. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 BMW 120 weights approximately 545 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 24 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 BMW 120. (341 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1961 AC Cobra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 BMW 120. 2009 BMW 120 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. 2009 BMW 120 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1961 AC Cobra | 2009 BMW 120 | |
| Make | AC | BMW |
| Model | Cobra | 120 |
| Year Released | 1961 | 2009 |
| 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 | 168 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 365 Nm | 341 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 980 kg | 1525 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3850 mm | 4230 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1560 mm | 1440 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1250 mm | 1760 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2290 mm | 2670 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 68 L | 51 L |
