1964 AC Cobra vs. 2009 BMW 120
To start off, 2009 BMW 120 is newer by 45 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 113 more horse power than 2009 BMW 120. (154 HP @ 6700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1964 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 515 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 226 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 BMW 120. (200 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 1964 AC Cobra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 BMW 120.
Compare all specifications:
| 1964 AC Cobra | 2009 BMW 120 | |
| Make | AC | BMW |
| Model | Cobra | 120 |
| Year Released | 1964 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4737 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 267 HP | 154 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6700 RPM |
| Torque | 426 Nm | 200 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 101.7 mm | 84.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72.9 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 12.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1010 kg | 1525 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 |
