2003 AC Cobra vs. 2009 BMW M3
To start off, 2009 BMW M3 is newer by 6 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 3,999 cc (8 cylinders), 2009 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 BMW M3 (414 HP @ 8300 RPM) has 64 more horse power than 2003 AC Cobra. (350 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 2003 AC Cobra. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 BMW M3 weights approximately 258 kg more than 2003 AC Cobra. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 2009 BMW M3 (401 Nm @ 3900 RPM) has 1 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 AC Cobra. (400 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2009 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 AC Cobra.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 AC Cobra | 2009 BMW M3 | |
| Make | AC | BMW |
| Model | Cobra | M3 |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3506 cc | 3999 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 350 HP | 414 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 8300 RPM |
| Torque | 400 Nm | 401 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3900 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 83 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 81 mm | 75.2 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1062 kg | 1320 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4210 mm | 4620 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1400 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1210 mm | 1810 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2300 mm | 2770 mm |
