1961 AC Cobra vs. 2002 AC Cobra
To start off, 2002 AC Cobra is newer by 41 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, 2002 AC Cobra (350 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 94 more horse power than 1961 AC Cobra. (256 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2002 AC Cobra should accelerate faster than 1961 AC Cobra. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 AC Cobra weights approximately 80 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, 2002 AC Cobra (400 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 35 more torque (in Nm) than 1961 AC Cobra. (365 Nm @ 4800 RPM). This means 2002 AC Cobra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1961 AC Cobra.
Compare all specifications:
| 1961 AC Cobra | 2002 AC Cobra | |
| Make | AC | AC |
| Model | Cobra | Cobra |
| Year Released | 1961 | 2002 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Roadster |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4265 cc | 3506 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 256 HP | 350 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 365 Nm | 400 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 980 kg | 1060 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3850 mm | 4210 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1560 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1250 mm | 1210 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2290 mm | 2300 mm |
