2003 AC Cobra vs. 2001 BMW Z3
To start off, 2003 AC Cobra is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2001 BMW Z3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2001 BMW Z3 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 160 more horse power than 2001 BMW Z3. (190 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 AC Cobra should accelerate faster than 2001 BMW Z3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 BMW Z3 weights approximately 253 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 163 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 BMW Z3. (237 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2003 AC Cobra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 BMW Z3.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 AC Cobra | 2001 BMW Z3 | |
| Make | AC | BMW |
| Model | Cobra | Z3 |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2001 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3506 cc | 2489 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 350 HP | 190 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 400 Nm | 237 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 83 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 81 mm | 74.9 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.0:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1062 kg | 1315 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4210 mm | 4060 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1210 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2300 mm | 2450 mm |
