1997 AC Cobra vs. 2011 BMW 1 Series
To start off, 2011 BMW 1 Series is newer by 14 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 30 more horse power than 2011 BMW 1 Series. (335 HP @ 5900 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 AC Cobra should accelerate faster than 2011 BMW 1 Series. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 BMW 1 Series weights approximately 499 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 129 more torque (in Nm) than 2011 BMW 1 Series. (450 Nm @ 1500 RPM). This means 1997 AC Cobra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2011 BMW 1 Series.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 AC Cobra | 2011 BMW 1 Series | |
| Make | AC | BMW |
| Model | Cobra | 1 Series |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2011 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4942 cc | 3000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 365 HP | 335 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 5900 RPM |
| Torque | 579 Nm | 450 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 1500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1026 kg | 1525 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4210 mm | 4374 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1803 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1210 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2300 mm | 2659 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 90 L | 53 L |
