1961 AC Cobra vs. 1968 Chevrolet Nova
To start off, 1968 Chevrolet Nova is newer by 7 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 5,733 cc (8 cylinders), 1968 Chevrolet Nova is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1961 AC Cobra (256 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 91 more horse power than 1968 Chevrolet Nova. (165 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1961 AC Cobra should accelerate faster than 1968 Chevrolet Nova. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1968 Chevrolet Nova weights approximately 580 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, 1968 Chevrolet Nova (388 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 23 more torque (in Nm) than 1961 AC Cobra. (365 Nm @ 4800 RPM). This means 1968 Chevrolet Nova will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1961 AC Cobra.
Compare all specifications:
| 1961 AC Cobra | 1968 Chevrolet Nova | |
| Make | AC | Chevrolet |
| Model | Cobra | Nova |
| Year Released | 1961 | 1968 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4265 cc | 5733 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 256 HP | 165 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 365 Nm | 388 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 980 kg | 1560 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3850 mm | 4820 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1560 mm | 1850 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1250 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2290 mm | 2830 mm |
