1961 AC Cobra vs. 1987 Ford Tempo
To start off, 1987 Ford Tempo is newer by 26 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 167 more horse power than 1987 Ford Tempo. (89 HP @ 4700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1961 AC Cobra should accelerate faster than 1987 Ford Tempo. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1987 Ford Tempo weights approximately 125 kg more than 1961 AC Cobra.
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, 1987 Ford Tempo, 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 195 more torque (in Nm) than 1987 Ford Tempo. (170 Nm @ 2700 RPM). This means 1961 AC Cobra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1987 Ford Tempo. 1987 Ford Tempo 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. 1987 Ford Tempo will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1961 AC Cobra | 1987 Ford Tempo | |
| Make | AC | Ford |
| Model | Cobra | Tempo |
| Year Released | 1961 | 1987 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4265 cc | 2307 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 256 HP | 89 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 4700 RPM |
| Torque | 365 Nm | 170 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 2700 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 980 kg | 1105 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3850 mm | 4480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1560 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1250 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2290 mm | 2540 mm |
