1961 AC Cobra vs. 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLK
To start off, 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLK is newer by 48 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 5,460 cc (8 cylinders), 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLK is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLK (382 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 126 more horse power than 1961 AC Cobra. (256 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLK should accelerate faster than 1961 AC Cobra. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLK weights approximately 1850 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, 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLK (530 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 165 more torque (in Nm) than 1961 AC Cobra. (365 Nm @ 4800 RPM). This means 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLK will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1961 AC Cobra. 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLK 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. 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLK will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1961 AC Cobra | 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLK | |
| Make | AC | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Cobra | CLK |
| Year Released | 1961 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4265 cc | 5460 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 256 HP | 382 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 365 Nm | 530 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 10.7:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 980 kg | 2830 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3850 mm | 4660 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1560 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1250 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2290 mm | 2720 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 68 L | 62 L |
