1961 AC Cobra vs. 1990 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 1990 Mercedes-Benz S is newer by 29 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 5,547 cc (8 cylinders), 1990 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1990 Mercedes-Benz S (297 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 41 more horse power than 1961 AC Cobra. (256 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1990 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 1961 AC Cobra. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1990 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 830 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, 1990 Mercedes-Benz S (463 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 98 more torque (in Nm) than 1961 AC Cobra. (365 Nm @ 4800 RPM). This means 1990 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1961 AC Cobra. 1990 Mercedes-Benz S 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. 1990 Mercedes-Benz S will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1961 AC Cobra | 1990 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | AC | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Cobra | S |
| Year Released | 1961 | 1990 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4265 cc | 5547 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 256 HP | 297 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 365 Nm | 463 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 980 kg | 1810 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3850 mm | 5030 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1560 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1250 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2290 mm | 2950 mm |
