1961 AC Cobra vs. 1959 Austin-Healey 3000
To start off, 1961 AC Cobra is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1959 Austin-Healey 3000. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 Austin-Healey 3000 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 132 more horse power than 1959 Austin-Healey 3000. (124 HP @ 4600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1961 AC Cobra should accelerate faster than 1959 Austin-Healey 3000. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1959 Austin-Healey 3000 weights approximately 163 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 128 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Austin-Healey 3000. (237 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1961 AC Cobra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Austin-Healey 3000.
Compare all specifications:
| 1961 AC Cobra | 1959 Austin-Healey 3000 | |
| Make | AC | Austin-Healey |
| Model | Cobra | 3000 |
| Year Released | 1961 | 1959 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4265 cc | 2911 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 256 HP | 124 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Torque | 365 Nm | 237 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 980 kg | 1143 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3850 mm | 4010 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1560 mm | 1540 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1250 mm | 1250 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2290 mm | 2340 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 68 L | 54 L |
