1961 AC Cobra vs. 1974 AC 428
To start off, 1974 AC 428 is newer by 13 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 7,003 cc (8 cylinders), 1974 AC 428 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1974 AC 428 (298 HP @ 4600 RPM) has 42 more horse power than 1961 AC Cobra. (256 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1974 AC 428 should accelerate faster than 1961 AC Cobra. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 AC 428 weights approximately 450 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, 1974 AC 428 (639 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 274 more torque (in Nm) than 1961 AC Cobra. (365 Nm @ 4800 RPM). This means 1974 AC 428 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1961 AC Cobra.
Compare all specifications:
| 1961 AC Cobra | 1974 AC 428 | |
| Make | AC | AC |
| Model | Cobra | 428 |
| Year Released | 1961 | 1974 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4265 cc | 7003 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 256 HP | 298 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Torque | 365 Nm | 639 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| 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 | 1430 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3850 mm | 4430 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1560 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1250 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2290 mm | 2450 mm |
