2002 AC Cobra vs. 2008 BMW 523
To start off, 2008 BMW 523 is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2002 AC Cobra. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2002 AC Cobra would be higher. At 3,506 cc (8 cylinders), 2002 AC Cobra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 AC Cobra (350 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 175 more horse power than 2008 BMW 523. (175 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2002 AC Cobra should accelerate faster than 2008 BMW 523. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 BMW 523 weights approximately 430 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, 2002 AC Cobra (400 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 170 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 BMW 523. (230 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2002 AC Cobra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 BMW 523.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 AC Cobra | 2008 BMW 523 | |
| Make | AC | BMW |
| Model | Cobra | 523 |
| Year Released | 2002 | 2008 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3506 cc | 2497 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 350 HP | 175 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 400 Nm | 230 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 83 mm | 82.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 81 mm | 78.8 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1060 kg | 1490 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4210 mm | 4870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1210 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2300 mm | 2890 mm |
