1998 AC Cobra vs. 1974 BMW 518
To start off, 1998 AC Cobra is newer by 24 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 BMW 518. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 BMW 518 would be higher. At 4,942 cc (8 cylinders), 1998 AC Cobra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 AC Cobra (365 HP @ 5750 RPM) has 275 more horse power than 1974 BMW 518. (90 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 AC Cobra should accelerate faster than 1974 BMW 518. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 BMW 518 weights approximately 214 kg more than 1998 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, 1998 AC Cobra (579 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 433 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 BMW 518. (146 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1998 AC Cobra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 BMW 518.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 AC Cobra | 1974 BMW 518 | |
| Make | AC | BMW |
| Model | Cobra | 518 |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1974 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4942 cc | 1766 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 365 HP | 90 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 579 Nm | 146 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1026 kg | 1240 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4210 mm | 4630 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1210 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2300 mm | 2650 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 90 L | 70 L |
