1961 AC Cobra vs. 2002 Chevrolet Corvette
To start off, 2002 Chevrolet Corvette 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 5,969 cc (8 cylinders), 2002 Chevrolet Corvette is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Chevrolet Corvette (395 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 139 more horse power than 1961 AC Cobra. (256 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2002 Chevrolet Corvette should accelerate faster than 1961 AC Cobra. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Chevrolet Corvette weights approximately 775 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 Chevrolet Corvette (543 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 178 more torque (in Nm) than 1961 AC Cobra. (365 Nm @ 4800 RPM). This means 2002 Chevrolet Corvette will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1961 AC Cobra.
Compare all specifications:
| 1961 AC Cobra | 2002 Chevrolet Corvette | |
| Make | AC | Chevrolet |
| Model | Cobra | Corvette |
| Year Released | 1961 | 2002 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4265 cc | 5969 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 256 HP | 395 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 365 Nm | 543 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 11.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 980 kg | 1755 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3850 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1560 mm | 1850 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1250 mm | 1250 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2290 mm | 2810 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 68 L | 68 L |
