1985 AC Cobra vs. 2011 BMW 525
To start off, 2011 BMW 525 is newer by 26 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 103 more horse power than 2011 BMW 525. (217 HP @ 4400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1985 AC Cobra should accelerate faster than 2011 BMW 525. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 BMW 525 weights approximately 545 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 72 more torque (in Nm) than 2011 BMW 525. (450 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1985 AC Cobra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2011 BMW 525. 2011 BMW 525 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. 2011 BMW 525 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1985 AC Cobra | 2011 BMW 525 | |
| Make | AC | BMW |
| Model | Cobra | 525 |
| Year Released | 1985 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4942 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 320 HP | 217 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 522 Nm | 450 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1175 kg | 1720 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4210 mm | 4899 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1210 mm | 1464 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2300 mm | 2968 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 70 L |
