1962 AC Cobra vs. 1997 BMW 318
To start off, 1997 BMW 318 is newer by 35 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1962 AC Cobra. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1962 AC Cobra would be higher. At 4,265 cc (8 cylinders), 1962 AC Cobra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1962 AC Cobra (256 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 142 more horse power than 1997 BMW 318. (114 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1962 AC Cobra should accelerate faster than 1997 BMW 318. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 BMW 318 weights approximately 461 kg more than 1962 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, 1962 AC Cobra (365 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 197 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 BMW 318. (168 Nm @ 3900 RPM). This means 1962 AC Cobra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 BMW 318.
Compare all specifications:
| 1962 AC Cobra | 1997 BMW 318 | |
| Make | AC | BMW |
| Model | Cobra | 318 |
| Year Released | 1962 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4265 cc | 1794 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 256 HP | 114 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 365 Nm | 168 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 3900 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 984 kg | 1445 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3850 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1560 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1250 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2290 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 68 L | 63 L |
