1990 BMW M3 vs. 1971 AC 428
To start off, 1990 BMW M3 is newer by 19 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 AC 428. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 AC 428 would be higher. At 7,003 cc (8 cylinders), 1971 AC 428 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1971 AC 428 (298 HP @ 4600 RPM) has 60 more horse power than 1990 BMW M3. (238 HP @ 7000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1971 AC 428 should accelerate faster than 1990 BMW M3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1971 AC 428 weights approximately 230 kg more than 1990 BMW M3. 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, 1971 AC 428 (639 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 399 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 BMW M3. (240 Nm @ 4750 RPM). This means 1971 AC 428 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 BMW M3. 1971 AC 428 has automatic transmission and 1990 BMW M3 has manual transmission. 1990 BMW M3 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1971 AC 428 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1990 BMW M3 | 1971 AC 428 | |
| Make | BMW | AC |
| Model | M3 | 428 |
| Year Released | 1990 | 1971 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2467 cc | 7003 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 238 HP | 298 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Torque | 240 Nm | 639 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4750 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1200 kg | 1430 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4320 mm | 4430 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1510 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2450 mm |
