2003 AC Cobra vs. 2008 BMW X3
To start off, 2008 BMW X3 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 122 more horse power than 2008 BMW X3. (228 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 AC Cobra should accelerate faster than 2008 BMW X3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 BMW X3 weights approximately 703 kg more than 2003 AC Cobra.
Because 2008 BMW X3 is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2003 AC Cobra. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 BMW X3 will offer significantly more control. 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, 2008 BMW X3 (480 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 80 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 AC Cobra. (400 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2008 BMW X3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 AC Cobra. 2008 BMW X3 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 X3 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 AC Cobra | 2008 BMW X3 | |
| Make | AC | BMW |
| Model | Cobra | X3 |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Roadster | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3506 cc | 2993 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 350 HP | 228 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 400 Nm | 480 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 83 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 81 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.0:1 | 17.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1062 kg | 1765 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4210 mm | 4570 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1210 mm | 1860 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2300 mm | 2800 mm |
