1961 AC Cobra vs. 1995 BMW 317
To start off, 1995 BMW 317 is newer by 34 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1961 AC Cobra. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1961 AC Cobra would be higher. At 4,265 cc (8 cylinders), 1961 AC Cobra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1961 AC Cobra (256 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 167 more horse power than 1995 BMW 317. (89 HP @ 4400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1961 AC Cobra should accelerate faster than 1995 BMW 317. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1995 BMW 317 weights approximately 375 kg more than 1961 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, 1961 AC Cobra (365 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 175 more torque (in Nm) than 1995 BMW 317. (190 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1961 AC Cobra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1995 BMW 317.
Compare all specifications:
| 1961 AC Cobra | 1995 BMW 317 | |
| Make | AC | BMW |
| Model | Cobra | 317 |
| Year Released | 1961 | 1995 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4265 cc | 1665 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 256 HP | 89 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 365 Nm | 190 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 22.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 980 kg | 1355 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3850 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1560 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1250 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2290 mm | 2710 mm |
