1985 AC Cobra vs. 2004 BMW M5
To start off, 2004 BMW M5 is newer by 19 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 4,999 cc (10 cylinders), 2004 BMW M5 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 BMW M5 (500 HP @ 7400 RPM) has 180 more horse power than 1985 AC Cobra. (320 HP @ 5700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 BMW M5 should accelerate faster than 1985 AC Cobra. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 BMW M5 weights approximately 583 kg more than 1985 AC Cobra. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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 2 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 BMW M5. (520 Nm @ 6100 RPM). This means 1985 AC Cobra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 BMW M5.
Compare all specifications:
| 1985 AC Cobra | 2004 BMW M5 | |
| Make | AC | BMW |
| Model | Cobra | M5 |
| Year Released | 1985 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4942 cc | 4999 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 10 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 320 HP | 500 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 7400 RPM |
| Torque | 522 Nm | 520 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 6100 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1175 kg | 1758 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4210 mm | 4850 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1850 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1210 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2300 mm | 2840 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 70 L |
