1961 AC Cobra vs. 1978 Ford LTD
To start off, 1978 Ford LTD is newer by 17 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 5,763 cc (8 cylinders), 1978 Ford LTD is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Ford LTD (296 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 40 more horse power than 1961 AC Cobra. (256 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1978 Ford LTD should accelerate faster than 1961 AC Cobra. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Ford LTD weights approximately 810 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, 1978 Ford LTD (525 Nm @ 3400 RPM) has 160 more torque (in Nm) than 1961 AC Cobra. (365 Nm @ 4800 RPM). This means 1978 Ford LTD will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1961 AC Cobra. 1978 Ford LTD 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. 1978 Ford LTD will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1961 AC Cobra | 1978 Ford LTD | |
| Make | AC | Ford |
| Model | Cobra | LTD |
| Year Released | 1961 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4265 cc | 5763 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 256 HP | 296 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 365 Nm | 525 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 980 kg | 1790 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3850 mm | 5370 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1560 mm | 1970 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1250 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2290 mm | 3080 mm |
