2001 AC Cobra vs. 1996 BMW M3
To start off, 2001 AC Cobra is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 BMW M3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 BMW M3 would be higher. At 3,506 cc (8 cylinders), 2001 AC Cobra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 AC Cobra (350 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 22 more horse power than 1996 BMW M3. (328 HP @ 7400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2001 AC Cobra should accelerate faster than 1996 BMW M3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 BMW M3 weights approximately 572 kg more than 2001 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, 2001 AC Cobra (400 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 50 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 BMW M3. (350 Nm @ 3250 RPM). This means 2001 AC Cobra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 BMW M3.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 AC Cobra | 1996 BMW M3 | |
| Make | AC | BMW |
| Model | Cobra | M3 |
| Year Released | 2001 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3506 cc | 3169 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 350 HP | 328 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 7400 RPM |
| Torque | 400 Nm | 350 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 83 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 81 mm | 91 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.0:1 | 11.3:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1060 kg | 1632 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4210 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1210 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2300 mm | 2720 mm |
