1961 AC Cobra vs. 1980 Mercury Lynx
To start off, 1980 Mercury Lynx is newer by 19 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 4,265 cc (8 cylinders), 1961 AC Cobra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1961 AC Cobra (256 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 186 more horse power than 1980 Mercury Lynx. (70 HP @ 4600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1961 AC Cobra should accelerate faster than 1980 Mercury Lynx. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1961 AC Cobra weights approximately 30 kg more than 1980 Mercury Lynx. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1961 AC Cobra is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1961 AC Cobra. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1980 Mercury Lynx, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 1961 AC Cobra (365 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 244 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Mercury Lynx. (121 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1961 AC Cobra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Mercury Lynx.
Compare all specifications:
| 1961 AC Cobra | 1980 Mercury Lynx | |
| Make | AC | Mercury |
| Model | Cobra | Lynx |
| Year Released | 1961 | 1980 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4265 cc | 1597 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 256 HP | 70 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Torque | 365 Nm | 121 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 8.8:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Vehicle Weight | 980 kg | 950 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3850 mm | 4170 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1560 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1250 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2290 mm | 2400 mm |
