1964 AC Cobra vs. 2008 BMW 523
To start off, 2008 BMW 523 is newer by 44 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 92 more horse power than 2008 BMW 523. (175 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1964 AC Cobra should accelerate faster than 2008 BMW 523. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 BMW 523 weights approximately 480 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 196 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 BMW 523. (230 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1964 AC Cobra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 BMW 523.
Compare all specifications:
| 1964 AC Cobra | 2008 BMW 523 | |
| Make | AC | BMW |
| Model | Cobra | 523 |
| Year Released | 1964 | 2008 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4737 cc | 2497 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 267 HP | 175 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 426 Nm | 230 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 101.7 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72.9 mm | 78.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 11.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1010 kg | 1490 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3850 mm | 4870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1250 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2290 mm | 2890 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 68 L | 70 L |
