1961 AC Cobra vs. 1972 Jaguar XJ
To start off, 1972 Jaguar XJ is newer by 11 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 5,344 cc (12 cylinders), 1972 Jaguar XJ is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1961 AC Cobra (256 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 5 more horse power than 1972 Jaguar XJ. (251 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1961 AC Cobra should accelerate faster than 1972 Jaguar XJ. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 Jaguar XJ weights approximately 890 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, 1972 Jaguar XJ (408 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 43 more torque (in Nm) than 1961 AC Cobra. (365 Nm @ 4800 RPM). This means 1972 Jaguar XJ will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1961 AC Cobra. 1972 Jaguar XJ has automatic transmission and 1961 AC Cobra has manual transmission. 1961 AC Cobra will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1972 Jaguar XJ will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1961 AC Cobra | 1972 Jaguar XJ | |
| Make | AC | Jaguar |
| Model | Cobra | XJ |
| Year Released | 1961 | 1972 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4265 cc | 5344 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 256 HP | 251 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 365 Nm | 408 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 980 kg | 1870 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3850 mm | 4950 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1560 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1250 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2290 mm | 2870 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 68 L | 90 L |
