1961 AC Cobra vs. 1989 Alfa Romeo 164
To start off, 1989 Alfa Romeo 164 is newer by 28 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 71 more horse power than 1989 Alfa Romeo 164. (185 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1961 AC Cobra should accelerate faster than 1989 Alfa Romeo 164. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 Alfa Romeo 164 weights approximately 440 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, 1989 Alfa Romeo 164, 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 106 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Alfa Romeo 164. (259 Nm @ 4400 RPM). This means 1961 AC Cobra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 Alfa Romeo 164. 1989 Alfa Romeo 164 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. 1989 Alfa Romeo 164 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1961 AC Cobra | 1989 Alfa Romeo 164 | |
| Make | AC | Alfa Romeo |
| Model | Cobra | 164 |
| Year Released | 1961 | 1989 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4265 cc | 2959 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 256 HP | 185 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 365 Nm | 259 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 980 kg | 1420 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3850 mm | 4650 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1560 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1250 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2290 mm | 2670 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 68 L | 70 L |
