1961 AC Cobra vs. 2002 Acura CL
To start off, 2002 Acura CL 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 Acura CL (260 HP @ 6900 RPM) has 4 more horse power than 1961 AC Cobra. (256 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2002 Acura CL should accelerate faster than 1961 AC Cobra. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Acura CL weights approximately 600 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.
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, 2002 Acura CL, 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 50 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Acura CL. (315 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1961 AC Cobra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Acura CL. 2002 Acura CL 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. 2002 Acura CL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1961 AC Cobra | 2002 Acura CL | |
| Make | AC | Acura |
| Model | Cobra | CL |
| Year Released | 1961 | 2002 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4265 cc | 3210 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 256 HP | 260 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 6900 RPM |
| Torque | 365 Nm | 315 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 9.8:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 980 kg | 1580 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3850 mm | 4880 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1560 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1250 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2290 mm | 2580 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 68 L | 65 L |
