1961 AC Cobra vs. 1963 AC Cobra
To start off, 1963 AC Cobra is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1961 AC Cobra. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1961 AC Cobra would be higher. At 4,727 cc (8 cylinders), 1963 AC Cobra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1963 AC Cobra (271 HP @ 5750 RPM) has 15 more horse power than 1961 AC Cobra. (256 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1963 AC Cobra should accelerate faster than 1961 AC Cobra. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1963 AC Cobra weights approximately 70 kg more than 1961 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, 1963 AC Cobra (423 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 58 more torque (in Nm) than 1961 AC Cobra. (365 Nm @ 4800 RPM). This means 1963 AC Cobra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1961 AC Cobra.
Compare all specifications:
| 1961 AC Cobra | 1963 AC Cobra | |
| Make | AC | AC |
| Model | Cobra | Cobra |
| Year Released | 1961 | 1963 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Roadster |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4265 cc | 4727 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 256 HP | 271 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5750 RPM |
| Torque | 365 Nm | 423 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 11.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 980 kg | 1050 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3850 mm | 3850 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1560 mm | 1560 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1250 mm | 1250 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2290 mm | 2290 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 68 L | 68 L |
