2002 AC Cobra vs. 1997 BMW 850
To start off, 2002 AC Cobra is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 BMW 850. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 BMW 850 would be higher. At 5,379 cc (12 cylinders), 1997 BMW 850 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 AC Cobra (350 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 21 more horse power than 1997 BMW 850. (329 HP @ 4800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2002 AC Cobra should accelerate faster than 1997 BMW 850. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 BMW 850 weights approximately 885 kg more than 2002 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 BMW 850 (490 Nm) has 90 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 AC Cobra. (400 Nm). This means 1997 BMW 850 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 AC Cobra. 1997 BMW 850 has automatic transmission and 2002 AC Cobra has manual transmission. 2002 AC Cobra will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1997 BMW 850 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 AC Cobra | 1997 BMW 850 | |
| Make | AC | BMW |
| Model | Cobra | 850 |
| Year Released | 2002 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3506 cc | 5379 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 350 HP | 329 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 400 Nm | 490 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 83 mm | 85.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 81 mm | 79 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1060 kg | 1945 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4210 mm | 4790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1210 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2300 mm | 2690 mm |
