1963 AC Cobra vs. 2008 BMW 540
To start off, 2008 BMW 540 is newer by 45 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 4,727 cc (8 cylinders), 1963 AC Cobra is equipped with a bigger engine. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 BMW 540 weights approximately 685 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, 2008 BMW 540 (440 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 17 more torque (in Nm) than 1963 AC Cobra. (423 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2008 BMW 540 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1963 AC Cobra. 2008 BMW 540 has automatic transmission and 1963 AC Cobra has manual transmission. 1963 AC Cobra will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2008 BMW 540 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1963 AC Cobra | 2008 BMW 540 | |
| Make | AC | BMW |
| Model | Cobra | 540 |
| Year Released | 1963 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4727 cc | 4398 cc |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 271 HP | 0 HP |
| Torque | 423 Nm | 440 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 217 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1050 kg | 1735 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3850 mm | 5050 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1250 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2290 mm | 2840 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 68 L | 70 L |
