1961 AC Cobra vs. 1946 Austin 16
To start off, 1961 AC Cobra is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1946 Austin 16. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1946 Austin 16 would be higher. At 4,265 cc (8 cylinders), 1961 AC Cobra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1961 AC Cobra (256 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 193 more horse power than 1946 Austin 16. (63 HP @ 3800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1961 AC Cobra should accelerate faster than 1946 Austin 16. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1946 Austin 16 weights approximately 300 kg more than 1961 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, 1961 AC Cobra (365 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 219 more torque (in Nm) than 1946 Austin 16. (146 Nm @ 2200 RPM). This means 1961 AC Cobra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1946 Austin 16.
Compare all specifications:
| 1961 AC Cobra | 1946 Austin 16 | |
| Make | AC | Austin |
| Model | Cobra | 16 |
| Year Released | 1961 | 1946 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4265 cc | 2200 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 256 HP | 63 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Torque | 365 Nm | 146 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 2200 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 6.8:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 980 kg | 1280 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3850 mm | 4350 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1560 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1250 mm | 1690 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2290 mm | 2660 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 68 L | 63 L |
