1972 AC 428 vs. 1996 BMW 540
To start off, 1996 BMW 540 is newer by 24 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 AC 428. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 AC 428 would be higher. At 7,003 cc (8 cylinders), 1972 AC 428 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1972 AC 428 (298 HP @ 4600 RPM) has 16 more horse power than 1996 BMW 540. (282 HP @ 5400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1972 AC 428 should accelerate faster than 1996 BMW 540. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 BMW 540 weights approximately 381 kg more than 1972 AC 428.
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, 1972 AC 428 (639 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 199 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 BMW 540. (440 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 1972 AC 428 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 BMW 540.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 AC 428 | 1996 BMW 540 | |
| Make | AC | BMW |
| Model | 428 | 540 |
| Year Released | 1972 | 1996 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 7003 cc | 4397 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 298 HP | 282 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 639 Nm | 440 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1434 kg | 1815 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4430 mm | 4810 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1310 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2830 mm |
