2003 BMW 520 vs. 1970 AC 428
To start off, 2003 BMW 520 is newer by 33 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1970 AC 428. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1970 AC 428 would be higher. At 7,003 cc (8 cylinders), 1970 AC 428 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1970 AC 428 (298 HP @ 4600 RPM) has 131 more horse power than 2003 BMW 520. (167 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1970 AC 428 should accelerate faster than 2003 BMW 520. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 BMW 520 weights approximately 130 kg more than 1970 AC 428.
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, 1970 AC 428 (640 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 430 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 BMW 520. (210 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1970 AC 428 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 BMW 520. 1970 AC 428 has automatic transmission and 2003 BMW 520 has manual transmission. 2003 BMW 520 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1970 AC 428 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 BMW 520 | 1970 AC 428 | |
| Make | BMW | AC |
| Model | 520 | 428 |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1970 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2171 cc | 7003 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 167 HP | 298 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Torque | 210 Nm | 640 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1560 kg | 1430 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4850 mm | 4430 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3000 mm | 2450 mm |
