1996 AC Cobra vs. 1989 BMW 850
To start off, 1996 AC Cobra is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1989 BMW 850. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1989 BMW 850 would be higher. At 4,988 cc (12 cylinders), 1989 BMW 850 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 AC Cobra (365 HP @ 5750 RPM) has 69 more horse power than 1989 BMW 850. (296 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 AC Cobra should accelerate faster than 1989 BMW 850. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 BMW 850 weights approximately 766 kg more than 1996 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, 1996 AC Cobra (579 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 129 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 BMW 850. (450 Nm @ 4100 RPM). This means 1996 AC Cobra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 BMW 850.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 AC Cobra | 1989 BMW 850 | |
| Make | AC | BMW |
| Model | Cobra | 850 |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1989 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4942 cc | 4988 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 365 HP | 296 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 579 Nm | 450 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 4100 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1026 kg | 1792 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4210 mm | 4790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1210 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2300 mm | 2770 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 90 L | 90 L |
