2003 AC Cobra vs. 1989 BMW 850
To start off, 2003 AC Cobra is newer by 14 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1989 BMW 850. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1989 BMW 850 would be higher. At 4,988 cc (12 cylinders), 1989 BMW 850 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 AC Cobra (350 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 54 more horse power than 1989 BMW 850. (296 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 AC Cobra should accelerate faster than 1989 BMW 850. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 BMW 850 weights approximately 193 kg more than 2003 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, 1989 BMW 850 (450 Nm @ 4100 RPM) has 50 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 AC Cobra. (400 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1989 BMW 850 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 AC Cobra. 1989 BMW 850 has automatic transmission and 2003 AC Cobra has manual transmission. 2003 AC Cobra will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1989 BMW 850 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 AC Cobra | 1989 BMW 850 | |
| Make | AC | BMW |
| Model | Cobra | 850 |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1989 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3506 cc | 4988 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 350 HP | 296 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 400 Nm | 450 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4100 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.0:1 | 8.8:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1062 kg | 1255 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 |
