1966 AC Cobra vs. 1996 BMW Z3
To start off, 1996 BMW Z3 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 209 more horse power than 1996 BMW Z3. (201 HP @ 5300 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1966 AC Cobra should accelerate faster than 1996 BMW Z3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 BMW Z3 weights approximately 108 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 376 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 BMW Z3. (275 Nm @ 3950 RPM). This means 1966 AC Cobra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 BMW Z3. 1996 BMW Z3 has automatic transmission and 1966 AC Cobra has manual transmission. 1966 AC Cobra will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1996 BMW Z3 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1966 AC Cobra | 1996 BMW Z3 | |
| Make | AC | BMW |
| Model | Cobra | Z3 |
| Year Released | 1966 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 6997 cc | 2926 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 410 HP | 201 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5300 RPM |
| Torque | 651 Nm | 275 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3700 RPM | 3950 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 107.7 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 96 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.5:1 | 10.2:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 266 km/hour | 217 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1147 kg | 1255 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3970 mm | 4030 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1250 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2290 mm | 2450 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 68 L | 51 L |
