1963 AC Cobra vs. 1999 BMW Z8
To start off, 1999 BMW Z8 is newer by 36 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1963 AC Cobra. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1963 AC Cobra would be higher. At 4,939 cc (8 cylinders), 1999 BMW Z8 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 BMW Z8 (400 HP @ 6600 RPM) has 129 more horse power than 1963 AC Cobra. (271 HP @ 5750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1999 BMW Z8 should accelerate faster than 1963 AC Cobra. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 BMW Z8 weights approximately 535 kg more than 1963 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, 1999 BMW Z8 (500 Nm @ 3800 RPM) has 77 more torque (in Nm) than 1963 AC Cobra. (423 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1999 BMW Z8 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1963 AC Cobra.
Compare all specifications:
| 1963 AC Cobra | 1999 BMW Z8 | |
| Make | AC | BMW |
| Model | Cobra | Z8 |
| Year Released | 1963 | 1999 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4727 cc | 4939 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 271 HP | 400 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 6600 RPM |
| Torque | 423 Nm | 500 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 11.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 217 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1050 kg | 1585 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3850 mm | 4410 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1560 mm | 1840 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1250 mm | 1320 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2290 mm | 2510 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 68 L | 73 L |
