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, 2013 BMW 3 Series (316 HP @ 5900 RPM) has 60 more horse power than 1961 AC Cobra. (256 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2013 BMW 3 Series should accelerate faster than 1961 AC Cobra. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2013 BMW 3 Series weights approximately 835 kg more than 1961 AC Cobra. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 2013 BMW 3 Series (450 Nm @ 1500 RPM) has 85 more torque (in Nm) than 1961 AC Cobra. (365 Nm @ 4800 RPM). This means 2013 BMW 3 Series will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1961 AC Cobra.
Compare all specifications:
| 1961 AC Cobra | 2013 BMW 3 Series | |
| Make | AC | BMW |
| Model | Cobra | 3 Series |
| Year Released | 1961 | 2013 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4265 cc | 2979 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 256 HP | 316 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5900 RPM |
| Torque | 365 Nm | 450 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 1500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 10.2 :1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 980 kg | 1815 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3850 mm | 4620 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1560 mm | 1961 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1250 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2290 mm | 2760 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 68 L | 61 L |
