1996 AC Cobra vs. 2008 BMW 318
To start off, 2008 BMW 318 is newer by 12 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 217 more horse power than 2008 BMW 318. (148 HP @ 6200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 AC Cobra should accelerate faster than 2008 BMW 318. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 BMW 318 weights approximately 369 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 378 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 BMW 318. (201 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 1996 AC Cobra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 BMW 318.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 AC Cobra | 2008 BMW 318 | |
| Make | AC | BMW |
| Model | Cobra | 318 |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4942 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 365 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 579 Nm | 201 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1026 kg | 1395 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 |
