1964 AC Cobra vs. 1977 BMW 520
To start off, 1977 BMW 520 is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1964 AC Cobra. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1964 AC Cobra would be higher. At 4,737 cc (8 cylinders), 1964 AC Cobra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1964 AC Cobra (267 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 133 more horse power than 1977 BMW 520. (134 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1964 AC Cobra should accelerate faster than 1977 BMW 520. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1977 BMW 520 weights approximately 555 kg more than 1964 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, 1964 AC Cobra (426 Nm @ 3400 RPM) has 146 more torque (in Nm) than 1977 BMW 520. (280 Nm @ 1750 RPM). This means 1964 AC Cobra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1977 BMW 520.
Compare all specifications:
| 1964 AC Cobra | 1977 BMW 520 | |
| Make | AC | BMW |
| Model | Cobra | 520 |
| Year Released | 1964 | 1977 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4737 cc | 1951 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 267 HP | 134 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 426 Nm | 280 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 101.7 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72.9 mm | 88 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 19.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1010 kg | 1565 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3850 mm | 4780 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1560 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1250 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2290 mm | 2840 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 68 L | 70 L |
