1999 AC Cobra vs. 1988 BMW 520
To start off, 1999 AC Cobra is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 BMW 520. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 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 93 more horse power than 1988 BMW 520. (129 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1999 AC Cobra should accelerate faster than 1988 BMW 520. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 BMW 520 weights approximately 545 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 348 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 BMW 520. (174 Nm). This means 1999 AC Cobra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 BMW 520. 1988 BMW 520 has automatic transmission and 1999 AC Cobra has manual transmission. 1999 AC Cobra will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1988 BMW 520 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1999 AC Cobra | 1988 BMW 520 | |
| Make | AC | BMW |
| Model | Cobra | 520 |
| Year Released | 1999 | 1988 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4941 cc | 1989 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 222 HP | 129 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4200 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 522 Nm | 174 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 101.6 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 66 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1025 kg | 1570 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4210 mm | 4780 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1210 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2300 mm | 2770 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 90 L | 70 L |
