2003 AC Cobra vs. 2011 BMW 120
To start off, 2011 BMW 120 is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 AC Cobra. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 AC Cobra would be higher. At 3,506 cc (8 cylinders), 2003 AC Cobra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 AC Cobra (350 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 182 more horse power than 2011 BMW 120. (168 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 AC Cobra should accelerate faster than 2011 BMW 120. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 BMW 120 weights approximately 463 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, 2003 AC Cobra (400 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 59 more torque (in Nm) than 2011 BMW 120. (341 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2003 AC Cobra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2011 BMW 120. 2011 BMW 120 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. 2011 BMW 120 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 AC Cobra | 2011 BMW 120 | |
| Make | AC | BMW |
| Model | Cobra | 120 |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2011 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3506 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 350 HP | 168 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 400 Nm | 341 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 83 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 81 mm | 90 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1062 kg | 1525 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4210 mm | 4230 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1440 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1210 mm | 1760 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2300 mm | 2670 mm |
