1997 AC Cobra vs. 2012 BMW Z4
To start off, 2012 BMW Z4 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, 1997 AC Cobra (365 HP @ 5750 RPM) has 65 more horse power than 2012 BMW Z4. (300 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 AC Cobra should accelerate faster than 2012 BMW Z4. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 BMW Z4 weights approximately 564 kg more than 1997 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, 1997 AC Cobra (579 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 173 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 BMW Z4. (406 Nm @ 1400 RPM). This means 1997 AC Cobra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 BMW Z4.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 AC Cobra | 2012 BMW Z4 | |
| Make | AC | BMW |
| Model | Cobra | Z4 |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4942 cc | 3000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 365 HP | 300 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 579 Nm | 406 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 1400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1026 kg | 1590 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4210 mm | 4239 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1791 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1210 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2300 mm | 2497 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 90 L | 55 L |
