1985 AC Cobra vs. 2013 BMW 5 Series
To start off, 2013 BMW 5 Series is newer by 28 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, 2013 BMW 5 Series (439 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 216 more horse power than 1985 AC Cobra. (223 HP @ 4200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2013 BMW 5 Series should accelerate faster than 1985 AC Cobra. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2013 BMW 5 Series weights approximately 970 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.
Because 2013 BMW 5 Series is all wheel drive (AWD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1985 AC Cobra. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2013 BMW 5 Series will offer significantly more control. 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, 2013 BMW 5 Series (651 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 244 more torque (in Nm) than 1985 AC Cobra. (407 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 2013 BMW 5 Series will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1985 AC Cobra. 2013 BMW 5 Series 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. 2013 BMW 5 Series will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1985 AC Cobra | 2013 BMW 5 Series | |
| Make | AC | BMW |
| Model | Cobra | 5 Series |
| Year Released | 1985 | 2013 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4942 cc | 4395 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 223 HP | 439 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4200 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 407 Nm | 651 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | AWD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 8-speed automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1080 kg | 2050 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4210 mm | 4905 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 2094 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1210 mm | 1464 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2300 mm | 2968 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 90 L | 70 L |
