1997 AC Cobra vs. 2012 BMW M3
To start off, 2012 BMW M3 is newer by 15 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, 2012 BMW M3 (414 HP @ 8300 RPM) has 49 more horse power than 1997 AC Cobra. (365 HP @ 5750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 1997 AC Cobra. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 BMW M3 weights approximately 629 kg more than 1997 AC Cobra. 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 179 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 BMW M3. (400 Nm @ 3900 RPM). This means 1997 AC Cobra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 BMW M3.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 AC Cobra | 2012 BMW M3 | |
| Make | AC | BMW |
| Model | Cobra | M3 |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4942 cc | 3999 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 365 HP | 414 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 8300 RPM |
| Torque | 579 Nm | 400 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 3900 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1026 kg | 1655 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4210 mm | 4615 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1803 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1210 mm | 1424 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2300 mm | 2761 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 90 L | 63 L |
