1966 AC Cobra vs. 2002 BMW 318
To start off, 2002 BMW 318 is newer by 36 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 262 more horse power than 2002 BMW 318. (148 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1966 AC Cobra should accelerate faster than 2002 BMW 318. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 BMW 318 weights approximately 288 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 451 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 BMW 318. (200 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 1966 AC Cobra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 BMW 318. 2002 BMW 318 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. 2002 BMW 318 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1966 AC Cobra | 2002 BMW 318 | |
| Make | AC | BMW |
| Model | Cobra | 318 |
| Year Released | 1966 | 2002 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 6997 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 410 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 651 Nm | 200 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3700 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 107.7 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 96 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.5:1 | 10.2:1 |
| Top Speed | 266 km/hour | 214 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1147 kg | 1435 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3970 mm | 4490 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1250 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2290 mm | 2730 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 68 L | 63 L |
