2003 AC Cobra vs. 1996 BMW 540
To start off, 2003 AC Cobra is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 BMW 540. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 BMW 540 would be higher. At 4,396 cc (8 cylinders), 1996 BMW 540 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 AC Cobra (350 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 68 more horse power than 1996 BMW 540. (282 HP @ 5400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 AC Cobra should accelerate faster than 1996 BMW 540. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 BMW 540 weights approximately 783 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, 1996 BMW 540 (440 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 40 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 AC Cobra. (400 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1996 BMW 540 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 AC Cobra. 1996 BMW 540 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. 1996 BMW 540 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 AC Cobra | 1996 BMW 540 | |
| Make | AC | BMW |
| Model | Cobra | 540 |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3506 cc | 4396 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 350 HP | 282 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 400 Nm | 440 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 83 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 81 mm | 82.7 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1062 kg | 1845 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4210 mm | 4810 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1210 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2300 mm | 2840 mm |
