1999 AC Cobra vs. 1972 BMW 520
To start off, 1999 AC Cobra is newer by 27 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 BMW 520. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 BMW 520 would be higher. At 4,941 cc (8 cylinders), 1999 AC Cobra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 AC Cobra (222 HP @ 4200 RPM) has 109 more horse power than 1972 BMW 520. (113 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1999 AC Cobra should accelerate faster than 1972 BMW 520. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 BMW 520 weights approximately 205 kg more than 1999 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, 1999 AC Cobra (522 Nm) has 357 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 BMW 520. (165 Nm). This means 1999 AC Cobra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 BMW 520.
Compare all specifications:
| 1999 AC Cobra | 1972 BMW 520 | |
| Make | AC | BMW |
| Model | Cobra | 520 |
| Year Released | 1999 | 1972 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4941 cc | 1989 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 222 HP | 113 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4200 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 522 Nm | 165 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 101.6 mm | 89 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1025 kg | 1230 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4210 mm | 4630 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1210 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2300 mm | 2640 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 90 L | 70 L |
