1961 AC Cobra vs. 2013 BMW 3 Series
To start off, 2013 BMW 3 Series is newer by 52 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 18 more horse power than 2013 BMW 3 Series. (238 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1961 AC Cobra should accelerate faster than 2013 BMW 3 Series. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2013 BMW 3 Series weights approximately 590 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 15 more torque (in Nm) than 2013 BMW 3 Series. (350 Nm @ 4800 RPM). This means 1961 AC Cobra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2013 BMW 3 Series. 2013 BMW 3 Series has automatic transmission and 1961 AC Cobra has manual transmission. 1961 AC Cobra will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2013 BMW 3 Series will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1961 AC Cobra | 2013 BMW 3 Series | |
| Make | AC | BMW |
| Model | Cobra | 3 Series |
| Year Released | 1961 | 2013 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4265 cc | 1997 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 256 HP | 238 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 365 Nm | 350 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 10:01 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 8-speed automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 980 kg | 1570 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3850 mm | 4636 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1560 mm | 2031 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1250 mm | 1429 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2290 mm | 2810 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 68 L | 60 L |
