1961 AC Cobra vs. 1988 Toyota Carina
To start off, 1988 Toyota Carina is newer by 27 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 98 more horse power than 1988 Toyota Carina. (158 HP @ 6600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1961 AC Cobra should accelerate faster than 1988 Toyota Carina. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Toyota Carina weights approximately 52 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, 1988 Toyota Carina, 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 175 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Toyota Carina. (190 Nm @ 4800 RPM). This means 1961 AC Cobra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Toyota Carina.
Compare all specifications:
| 1961 AC Cobra | 1988 Toyota Carina | |
| Make | AC | Toyota |
| Model | Cobra | Carina |
| Year Released | 1961 | 1988 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4265 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 256 HP | 158 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 6600 RPM |
| Torque | 365 Nm | 190 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 980 kg | 1032 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3850 mm | 4490 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1560 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1250 mm | 1320 mm |
