1997 AC Cobra vs. 1974 BMW 3
To start off, 1997 AC Cobra is newer by 23 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 BMW 3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 BMW 3 would be higher. At 4,942 cc (8 cylinders), 1997 AC Cobra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 AC Cobra (365 HP @ 5750 RPM) has 165 more horse power than 1974 BMW 3. (200 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 AC Cobra should accelerate faster than 1974 BMW 3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 BMW 3 weights approximately 407 kg more than 1997 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, 1997 AC Cobra (579 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 309 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 BMW 3. (270 Nm @ 4300 RPM). This means 1997 AC Cobra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 BMW 3.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 AC Cobra | 1974 BMW 3 | |
| Make | AC | BMW |
| Model | Cobra | 3 |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1974 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4942 cc | 2986 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 365 HP | 200 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 579 Nm | 270 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 4300 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1026 kg | 1433 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4210 mm | 4720 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1210 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2300 mm | 2700 mm |
