1974 AC 428 vs. 2009 BMW 135
To start off, 2009 BMW 135 is newer by 35 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 AC 428. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 AC 428 would be higher. At 7,003 cc (8 cylinders), 1974 AC 428 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 BMW 135 (302 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 4 more horse power than 1974 AC 428. (298 HP @ 4600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW 135 should accelerate faster than 1974 AC 428. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 AC 428 weights approximately 15 kg more than 2009 BMW 135.
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, 1974 AC 428 (639 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 239 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 BMW 135. (400 Nm @ 1300 RPM). This means 1974 AC 428 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 BMW 135. 2009 BMW 135 has automatic transmission and 1974 AC 428 has manual transmission. 1974 AC 428 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 BMW 135 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 AC 428 | 2009 BMW 135 | |
| Make | AC | BMW |
| Model | 428 | 135 |
| Year Released | 1974 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 7003 cc | 2979 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 298 HP | 302 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 639 Nm | 400 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 1300 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1430 kg | 1415 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4430 mm | 4370 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1420 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1310 mm | 1760 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2670 mm |
