1997 AC Cobra vs. 2012 BMW X5
To start off, 2012 BMW X5 is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 AC Cobra. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 AC Cobra would be higher. At 4,942 cc (8 cylinders), 1997 AC Cobra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 BMW X5 (400 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 35 more horse power than 1997 AC Cobra. (365 HP @ 5750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 BMW X5 should accelerate faster than 1997 AC Cobra. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 BMW X5 weights approximately 1414 kg more than 1997 AC Cobra. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2012 BMW X5 is all wheel drive (AWD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1997 AC Cobra. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 BMW X5 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, 2012 BMW X5 (609 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 30 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 AC Cobra. (579 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2012 BMW X5 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 AC Cobra. 2012 BMW X5 has automatic transmission and 1997 AC Cobra has manual transmission. 1997 AC Cobra will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 BMW X5 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 AC Cobra | 2012 BMW X5 | |
| Make | AC | BMW |
| Model | Cobra | X5 |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Roadster | SUV |
| 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 |
| Drive Type | Rear | AWD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1026 kg | 2440 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4210 mm | 4854 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1933 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1210 mm | 1775 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2300 mm | 2933 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 90 L | 85 L |
