1963 AC Cobra vs. 1957 BMW 501
To start off, 1963 AC Cobra is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1957 BMW 501. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1957 BMW 501 would be higher. At 4,727 cc (8 cylinders), 1963 AC Cobra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1963 AC Cobra (271 HP @ 5750 RPM) has 133 more horse power than 1957 BMW 501. (138 HP @ 4800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1963 AC Cobra should accelerate faster than 1957 BMW 501. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1957 BMW 501 weights approximately 355 kg more than 1963 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, 1963 AC Cobra (423 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 200 more torque (in Nm) than 1957 BMW 501. (223 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1963 AC Cobra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1957 BMW 501.
Compare all specifications:
| 1963 AC Cobra | 1957 BMW 501 | |
| Make | AC | BMW |
| Model | Cobra | 501 |
| Year Released | 1963 | 1957 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4727 cc | 3168 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 271 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 423 Nm | 223 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1050 kg | 1405 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3850 mm | 4740 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1560 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1250 mm | 1540 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2290 mm | 2840 mm |
