1985 AC Cobra vs. 2001 BMW M3
To start off, 2001 BMW M3 is newer by 16 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1985 AC Cobra. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1985 AC Cobra would be higher. At 4,942 cc (8 cylinders), 1985 AC Cobra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 BMW M3 (342 HP @ 7400 RPM) has 119 more horse power than 1985 AC Cobra. (223 HP @ 4200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2001 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 1985 AC Cobra. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 BMW M3 weights approximately 515 kg more than 1985 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, 2001 BMW M3 (502 Nm) has 95 more torque (in Nm) than 1985 AC Cobra. (407 Nm). This means 2001 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1985 AC Cobra. 2001 BMW M3 has automatic transmission and 1985 AC Cobra has manual transmission. 1985 AC Cobra will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2001 BMW M3 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1985 AC Cobra | 2001 BMW M3 | |
| Make | AC | BMW |
| Model | Cobra | M3 |
| Year Released | 1985 | 2001 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4942 cc | 3246 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 223 HP | 342 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4200 RPM | 7400 RPM |
| Torque | 407 Nm | 502 Nm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1080 kg | 1595 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4210 mm | 4490 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1210 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2300 mm | 2730 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 90 L | 63 L |
