1961 AC Cobra vs. 2002 Lotus Exige
To start off, 2002 Lotus Exige 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, 1961 AC Cobra (256 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 79 more horse power than 2002 Lotus Exige. (177 HP @ 7800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1961 AC Cobra should accelerate faster than 2002 Lotus Exige. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1961 AC Cobra weights approximately 200 kg more than 2002 Lotus Exige. 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, 1961 AC Cobra (365 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 184 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Lotus Exige. (181 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1961 AC Cobra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Lotus Exige.
Compare all specifications:
| 1961 AC Cobra | 2002 Lotus Exige | |
| Make | AC | Lotus |
| Model | Cobra | Exige |
| Year Released | 1961 | 2002 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 4265 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 256 HP | 177 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 7800 RPM |
| Torque | 365 Nm | 181 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 5000 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 | 780 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3850 mm | 3800 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1560 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1250 mm | 1190 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2290 mm | 2310 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 68 L | 36 L |
