1997 AC Cobra vs. 1982 BMW 318
To start off, 1997 AC Cobra is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1982 BMW 318. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1982 BMW 318 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 276 more horse power than 1982 BMW 318. (89 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 AC Cobra should accelerate faster than 1982 BMW 318. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 AC Cobra weights approximately 6 kg more than 1982 BMW 318. 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, 1997 AC Cobra (579 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 439 more torque (in Nm) than 1982 BMW 318. (140 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1997 AC Cobra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1982 BMW 318. 1982 BMW 318 has automatic transmission and 1997 AC Cobra has manual transmission. 1997 AC Cobra will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1982 BMW 318 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 AC Cobra | 1982 BMW 318 | |
| Make | AC | BMW |
| Model | Cobra | 318 |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1982 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4942 cc | 1765 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 365 HP | 89 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 579 Nm | 140 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1026 kg | 1020 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4210 mm | 4330 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1650 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1210 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2300 mm | 2580 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 90 L | 55 L |
