1985 AC Cobra vs. 1996 BMW 840
To start off, 1996 BMW 840 is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1985 AC Cobra. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1985 AC Cobra would be higher. At 4,942 cc (8 cylinders), 1985 AC Cobra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1985 AC Cobra (320 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 38 more horse power than 1996 BMW 840. (282 HP @ 5700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1985 AC Cobra should accelerate faster than 1996 BMW 840. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 BMW 840 weights approximately 715 kg more than 1985 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, 1985 AC Cobra (522 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 82 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 BMW 840. (440 Nm @ 3900 RPM). This means 1985 AC Cobra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 BMW 840. 1996 BMW 840 has automatic transmission and 1985 AC Cobra has manual transmission. 1985 AC Cobra will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1996 BMW 840 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1985 AC Cobra | 1996 BMW 840 | |
| Make | AC | BMW |
| Model | Cobra | 840 |
| Year Released | 1985 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4942 cc | 4398 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 320 HP | 282 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 522 Nm | 440 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 3900 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1175 kg | 1890 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4210 mm | 4790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1210 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2300 mm | 2690 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 90 L |
