1961 AC Cobra vs. 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 37 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 66 more horse power than 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL. (190 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1961 AC Cobra should accelerate faster than 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 780 kg more than 1961 AC Cobra.
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, 1961 AC Cobra (365 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 95 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL. (270 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 1961 AC Cobra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL. 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL 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. 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
1961 AC Cobra | 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
Make | AC | Mercedes-Benz |
Model | Cobra | SL |
Year Released | 1961 | 1998 |
Body Type | Roadster | Convertible |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 4265 cc | 2797 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
Engine Type | V | in-line |
Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
Horse Power | 256 HP | 190 HP |
Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5500 RPM |
Torque | 365 Nm | 270 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 | 2 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 980 kg | 1760 kg |
Vehicle Length | 3850 mm | 4510 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1560 mm | 1820 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1250 mm | 1300 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2290 mm | 2520 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 68 L | 80 L |