1961 AC Cobra vs. 2004 Dodge Viper
To start off, 2004 Dodge Viper is newer by 43 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 7,988 cc (10 cylinders), 2004 Dodge Viper is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Dodge Viper (500 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 244 more horse power than 1961 AC Cobra. (256 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Dodge Viper should accelerate faster than 1961 AC Cobra. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Dodge Viper weights approximately 543 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, 2004 Dodge Viper (712 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 347 more torque (in Nm) than 1961 AC Cobra. (365 Nm @ 4800 RPM). This means 2004 Dodge Viper will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1961 AC Cobra.
Compare all specifications:
| 1961 AC Cobra | 2004 Dodge Viper | |
| Make | AC | Dodge |
| Model | Cobra | Viper |
| Year Released | 1961 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Roadster |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4265 cc | 7988 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 10 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 256 HP | 500 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 365 Nm | 712 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| 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 | 1523 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3850 mm | 4470 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1560 mm | 1950 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1250 mm | 1220 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2290 mm | 2520 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 68 L | 70 L |
