1961 AC Cobra vs. 1981 Jaguar XJS
To start off, 1981 Jaguar XJS is newer by 20 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), 1981 Jaguar XJS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Jaguar XJS (299 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 43 more horse power than 1961 AC Cobra. (256 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1981 Jaguar XJS should accelerate faster than 1961 AC Cobra. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Jaguar XJS weights approximately 727 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, 1981 Jaguar XJS (431 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 66 more torque (in Nm) than 1961 AC Cobra. (365 Nm @ 4800 RPM). This means 1981 Jaguar XJS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1961 AC Cobra. 1981 Jaguar XJS 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. 1981 Jaguar XJS will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1961 AC Cobra | 1981 Jaguar XJS | |
| Make | AC | Jaguar |
| Model | Cobra | XJS |
| Year Released | 1961 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4265 cc | 5344 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 256 HP | 299 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 365 Nm | 431 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 12.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 980 kg | 1707 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3850 mm | 4880 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1560 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1250 mm | 1270 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2290 mm | 2600 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 68 L | 90 L |
