1990 BMW 525 vs. 1974 AC 428
To start off, 1990 BMW 525 is newer by 16 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, 1974 AC 428 (298 HP @ 4600 RPM) has 113 more horse power than 1990 BMW 525. (185 HP @ 5900 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1974 AC 428 should accelerate faster than 1990 BMW 525. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1990 BMW 525 weights approximately 145 kg more than 1974 AC 428.
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 399 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 BMW 525. (240 Nm @ 4700 RPM). This means 1974 AC 428 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 BMW 525. 1974 AC 428 has automatic transmission and 1990 BMW 525 has manual transmission. 1990 BMW 525 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1974 AC 428 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1990 BMW 525 | 1974 AC 428 | |
| Make | BMW | AC |
| Model | 525 | 428 |
| Year Released | 1990 | 1974 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2494 cc | 7003 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 185 HP | 298 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5900 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Torque | 240 Nm | 639 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4700 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1575 kg | 1430 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 4430 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2450 mm |
