1961 AC Cobra vs. 2012 BMW 640
To start off, 2012 BMW 640 is newer by 51 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, 2012 BMW 640 (311 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 55 more horse power than 1961 AC Cobra. (256 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 BMW 640 should accelerate faster than 1961 AC Cobra. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 BMW 640 weights approximately 810 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, 2012 BMW 640 (630 Nm @ 1500 RPM) has 265 more torque (in Nm) than 1961 AC Cobra. (365 Nm @ 4800 RPM). This means 2012 BMW 640 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1961 AC Cobra. 2012 BMW 640 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. 2012 BMW 640 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1961 AC Cobra | 2012 BMW 640 | |
| Make | AC | BMW |
| Model | Cobra | 640 |
| Year Released | 1961 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4265 cc | 2993 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 256 HP | 311 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 365 Nm | 630 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 1500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 980 kg | 1790 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3850 mm | 4894 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1560 mm | 1894 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1250 mm | 1369 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2290 mm | 2855 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 68 L | 70 L |
