1962 AC Cobra vs. 2012 BMW 520
To start off, 2012 BMW 520 is newer by 50 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1962 AC Cobra. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1962 AC Cobra would be higher. At 4,265 cc (8 cylinders), 1962 AC Cobra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1962 AC Cobra (256 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 74 more horse power than 2012 BMW 520. (182 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1962 AC Cobra should accelerate faster than 2012 BMW 520. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 BMW 520 weights approximately 686 kg more than 1962 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, 1962 AC Cobra (365 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 95 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 BMW 520. (270 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1962 AC Cobra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 BMW 520. 2012 BMW 520 has automatic transmission and 1962 AC Cobra has manual transmission. 1962 AC Cobra will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 BMW 520 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1962 AC Cobra | 2012 BMW 520 | |
| Make | AC | BMW |
| Model | Cobra | 520 |
| Year Released | 1962 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4265 cc | 1997 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 256 HP | 182 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 365 Nm | 270 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 96.5 mm | 90.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72.9 mm | 84 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 233 km/hour | 227 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 984 kg | 1670 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3850 mm | 4899 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1560 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1250 mm | 1464 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2290 mm | 2968 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 68 L | 70 L |
