1961 AC Cobra vs. 2004 Lotus Esprit
To start off, 2004 Lotus Esprit 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 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 15 more horse power than 2004 Lotus Esprit. (241 HP @ 6250 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1961 AC Cobra should accelerate faster than 2004 Lotus Esprit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Lotus Esprit weights approximately 325 kg more than 1961 AC Cobra.
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 71 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Lotus Esprit. (294 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 1961 AC Cobra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Lotus Esprit.
Compare all specifications:
1961 AC Cobra | 2004 Lotus Esprit | |
Make | AC | Lotus |
Model | Cobra | Esprit |
Year Released | 1961 | 2004 |
Body Type | Roadster | Coupe |
Engine Position | Front | Middle |
Engine Size | 4265 cc | 1974 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | V | in-line |
Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
Horse Power | 256 HP | 241 HP |
Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 6250 RPM |
Torque | 365 Nm | 294 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 3750 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 | 1305 kg |
Vehicle Length | 3850 mm | 4380 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1560 mm | 1870 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1250 mm | 1160 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2290 mm | 2430 mm |