2003 AC Cobra vs. 1988 BMW 316
To start off, 2003 AC Cobra is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 BMW 316. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 BMW 316 would be higher. At 3,506 cc (8 cylinders), 2003 AC Cobra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 AC Cobra (350 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 264 more horse power than 1988 BMW 316. (86 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 AC Cobra should accelerate faster than 1988 BMW 316. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 BMW 316 weights approximately 778 kg more than 2003 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, 2003 AC Cobra (400 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 273 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 BMW 316. (127 Nm @ 3900 RPM). This means 2003 AC Cobra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 BMW 316.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 AC Cobra | 1988 BMW 316 | |
| Make | AC | BMW |
| Model | Cobra | 316 |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1988 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3506 cc | 1596 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 350 HP | 86 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 400 Nm | 127 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3900 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 83 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 81 mm | 72 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1062 kg | 1840 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4210 mm | 4220 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1210 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2300 mm | 2710 mm |
