1996 AC Cobra vs. 2001 BMW M
To start off, 2001 BMW M is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 AC Cobra. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 AC Cobra 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 45 more horse power than 2001 BMW M. (320 HP @ 7400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 AC Cobra should accelerate faster than 2001 BMW M. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 BMW M weights approximately 349 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 234 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 BMW M. (345 Nm @ 4900 RPM). This means 1996 AC Cobra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 BMW M.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 AC Cobra | 2001 BMW M | |
| Make | AC | BMW |
| Model | Cobra | M |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2001 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4942 cc | 3169 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 365 HP | 320 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 7400 RPM |
| Torque | 579 Nm | 345 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 4900 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1026 kg | 1375 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4210 mm | 4030 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1210 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2300 mm | 2450 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 90 L | 51 L |
