1999 AC Cobra vs. 2008 BMW M3
To start off, 2008 BMW M3 is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1999 AC Cobra. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1999 AC Cobra would be higher. At 4,941 cc (8 cylinders), 1999 AC Cobra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 BMW M3 (339 HP @ 4900 RPM) has 117 more horse power than 1999 AC Cobra. (222 HP @ 4200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 1999 AC Cobra. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 BMW M3 weights approximately 545 kg more than 1999 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, 1999 AC Cobra (522 Nm) has 157 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 BMW M3. (365 Nm). This means 1999 AC Cobra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 BMW M3.
Compare all specifications:
| 1999 AC Cobra | 2008 BMW M3 | |
| Make | AC | BMW |
| Model | Cobra | M3 |
| Year Released | 1999 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4941 cc | 3246 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 222 HP | 339 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4200 RPM | 4900 RPM |
| Torque | 522 Nm | 365 Nm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 11.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1025 kg | 1570 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4210 mm | 4500 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1210 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2300 mm | 2740 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 90 L | 63 L |
