1963 AC Cobra vs. 2008 BMW M3
To start off, 2008 BMW M3 is newer by 45 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1963 AC Cobra. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1963 AC Cobra would be higher. At 4,727 cc (8 cylinders), 1963 AC Cobra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 BMW M3 (339 HP @ 4900 RPM) has 68 more horse power than 1963 AC Cobra. (271 HP @ 5750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 1963 AC Cobra. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 BMW M3 weights approximately 520 kg more than 1963 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, 1963 AC Cobra (423 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 58 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 BMW M3. (365 Nm @ 4900 RPM). This means 1963 AC Cobra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 BMW M3.
Compare all specifications:
| 1963 AC Cobra | 2008 BMW M3 | |
| Make | AC | BMW |
| Model | Cobra | M3 |
| Year Released | 1963 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4727 cc | 3246 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 271 HP | 339 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 4900 RPM |
| Torque | 423 Nm | 365 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 4900 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 11.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 217 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1050 kg | 1570 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3850 mm | 4500 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1560 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1250 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2290 mm | 2740 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 68 L | 63 L |
