1961 AC Cobra vs. 2009 Panoz Esperante
To start off, 2009 Panoz Esperante 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 4,589 cc (8 cylinders), 2009 Panoz Esperante is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Panoz Esperante (305 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 49 more horse power than 1961 AC Cobra. (256 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Panoz Esperante should accelerate faster than 1961 AC Cobra. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Panoz Esperante weights approximately 555 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 Panoz Esperante (434 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 69 more torque (in Nm) than 1961 AC Cobra. (365 Nm @ 4800 RPM). This means 2009 Panoz Esperante will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1961 AC Cobra.
Compare all specifications:
| 1961 AC Cobra | 2009 Panoz Esperante | |
| Make | AC | Panoz |
| Model | Cobra | Esperante |
| Year Released | 1961 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4265 cc | 4589 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 256 HP | 305 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 365 Nm | 434 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 9.8:1 |
| 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 | 1535 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3850 mm | 4730 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1560 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1250 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2290 mm | 2700 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 68 L | 59 L |
