1966 AC Cobra vs. 1996 BMW M3
To start off, 1996 BMW M3 is newer by 30 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1966 AC Cobra. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1966 AC Cobra would be higher. At 6,997 cc (8 cylinders), 1966 AC Cobra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1966 AC Cobra (410 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 82 more horse power than 1996 BMW M3. (328 HP @ 7400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1966 AC Cobra should accelerate faster than 1996 BMW M3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 BMW M3 weights approximately 485 kg more than 1966 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, 1966 AC Cobra (651 Nm @ 3700 RPM) has 301 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 BMW M3. (350 Nm @ 3250 RPM). This means 1966 AC Cobra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 BMW M3.
Compare all specifications:
1966 AC Cobra | 1996 BMW M3 | |
Make | AC | BMW |
Model | Cobra | M3 |
Year Released | 1966 | 1996 |
Body Type | Roadster | Convertible |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 6997 cc | 3169 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
Engine Type | V | in-line |
Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
Horse Power | 410 HP | 328 HP |
Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 7400 RPM |
Torque | 651 Nm | 350 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3700 RPM | 3250 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 107.7 mm | 86.4 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 96 mm | 91 mm |
Engine Compression Ratio | 11.5:1 | 11.3:1 |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1147 kg | 1632 kg |
Vehicle Length | 3970 mm | 4440 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1790 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1250 mm | 1340 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2290 mm | 2720 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 68 L | 63 L |