1997 AC Cobra vs. 2001 BMW 316
To start off, 2001 BMW 316 is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 AC Cobra. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 AC Cobra 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 261 more horse power than 2001 BMW 316. (104 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 AC Cobra should accelerate faster than 2001 BMW 316. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 BMW 316 weights approximately 284 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 429 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 BMW 316. (150 Nm @ 3900 RPM). This means 1997 AC Cobra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 BMW 316.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 AC Cobra | 2001 BMW 316 | |
| Make | AC | BMW |
| Model | Cobra | 316 |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2001 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4942 cc | 1596 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 365 HP | 104 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 579 Nm | 150 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 3900 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| 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 | 1310 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4210 mm | 4270 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1210 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2300 mm | 2730 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 90 L | 63 L |
