1996 AC Cobra vs. 1990 BMW M3
To start off, 1996 AC Cobra is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1990 BMW M3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1990 BMW M3 would be higher. At 4,942 cc (8 cylinders), 1996 AC Cobra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 AC Cobra (365 HP @ 5750 RPM) has 127 more horse power than 1990 BMW M3. (238 HP @ 7000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 AC Cobra should accelerate faster than 1990 BMW M3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1990 BMW M3 weights approximately 174 kg more than 1996 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, 1996 AC Cobra (579 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 339 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 BMW M3. (240 Nm @ 4750 RPM). This means 1996 AC Cobra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 BMW M3.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 AC Cobra | 1990 BMW M3 | |
| Make | AC | BMW |
| Model | Cobra | M3 |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1990 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4942 cc | 2467 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 365 HP | 238 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 579 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 4750 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1026 kg | 1200 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4210 mm | 4320 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1510 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1210 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2300 mm | 2570 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 90 L | 62 L |
