2003 AC Cobra vs. 2008 BMW 318
To start off, 2008 BMW 318 is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 AC Cobra. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 AC Cobra 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 209 more horse power than 2008 BMW 318. (141 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 AC Cobra should accelerate faster than 2008 BMW 318. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 BMW 318 weights approximately 333 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 200 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 BMW 318. (200 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 2003 AC Cobra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 BMW 318. 2008 BMW 318 has automatic transmission and 2003 AC Cobra has manual transmission. 2003 AC Cobra will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2008 BMW 318 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 AC Cobra | 2008 BMW 318 | |
| Make | AC | BMW |
| Model | Cobra | 318 |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3506 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 350 HP | 141 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 400 Nm | 200 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 83 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 81 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.0:1 | 10.2:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1062 kg | 1395 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4210 mm | 4870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1210 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2300 mm | 2730 mm |
