1963 AC Cobra vs. 2009 BMW 120
To start off, 2009 BMW 120 is newer by 46 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. In terms of performance, 1963 AC Cobra (271 HP @ 5750 RPM) has 117 more horse power than 2009 BMW 120. (154 HP @ 6700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1963 AC Cobra should accelerate faster than 2009 BMW 120. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 BMW 120 weights approximately 270 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 223 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 BMW 120. (200 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 1963 AC Cobra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 BMW 120. 2009 BMW 120 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. 2009 BMW 120 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1963 AC Cobra | 2009 BMW 120 | |
| Make | AC | BMW |
| Model | Cobra | 120 |
| Year Released | 1963 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4727 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 271 HP | 154 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 6700 RPM |
| Torque | 423 Nm | 200 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 12.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 217 km/hour | 200 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1050 kg | 1320 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3850 mm | 4250 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1560 mm | 1430 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1250 mm | 1750 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2290 mm | 2670 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 68 L | 53 L |
