1996 AC Cobra vs. 2011 BMW 550
To start off, 2011 BMW 550 is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 AC Cobra. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 AC Cobra would be higher. At 4,942 cc (8 cylinders), 1996 AC Cobra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 BMW 550 (400 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 35 more horse power than 1996 AC Cobra. (365 HP @ 5750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 BMW 550 should accelerate faster than 1996 AC Cobra. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 BMW 550 weights approximately 1269 kg more than 1996 AC Cobra. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2011 BMW 550 is all wheel drive (AWD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1996 AC Cobra. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2011 BMW 550 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, 2011 BMW 550 (609 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 30 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 AC Cobra. (579 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2011 BMW 550 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 AC Cobra. 2011 BMW 550 has automatic transmission and 1996 AC Cobra has manual transmission. 1996 AC Cobra will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2011 BMW 550 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 AC Cobra | 2011 BMW 550 | |
| Make | AC | BMW |
| Model | Cobra | 550 |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4942 cc | 4400 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 365 HP | 400 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 579 Nm | 609 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | AWD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1026 kg | 2295 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4210 mm | 4999 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1900 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1210 mm | 1560 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2300 mm | 3071 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 90 L | 70 L |
