2009 BMW M3 vs. 1965 AC Cobra
To start off, 2009 BMW M3 is newer by 44 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1965 AC Cobra. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1965 AC Cobra would be higher. At 4,737 cc (8 cylinders), 1965 AC Cobra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 BMW M3 (414 HP @ 8300 RPM) has 147 more horse power than 1965 AC Cobra. (267 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 1965 AC Cobra. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 BMW M3 weights approximately 515 kg more than 1965 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, 1965 AC Cobra (426 Nm @ 3400 RPM) has 26 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 BMW M3. (400 Nm @ 3900 RPM). This means 1965 AC Cobra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 BMW M3.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 BMW M3 | 1965 AC Cobra | |
| Make | BMW | AC |
| Model | M3 | Cobra |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1965 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Roadster |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3999 cc | 4737 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 414 HP | 267 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8300 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 400 Nm | 426 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3900 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 12.0:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1525 kg | 1010 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4620 mm | 3850 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1420 mm | 1560 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1760 mm | 1250 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2290 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 68 L |
