1961 AC Cobra vs. 2012 Ford F-150
To start off, 2012 Ford F-150 is newer by 51 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 5,000 cc (8 cylinders), 2012 Ford F-150 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Ford F-150 (360 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 104 more horse power than 1961 AC Cobra. (256 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Ford F-150 should accelerate faster than 1961 AC Cobra. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Ford F-150 weights approximately 1403 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, 2012 Ford F-150 (515 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 150 more torque (in Nm) than 1961 AC Cobra. (365 Nm @ 4800 RPM). This means 2012 Ford F-150 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1961 AC Cobra. 2012 Ford F-150 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. 2012 Ford F-150 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1961 AC Cobra | 2012 Ford F-150 | |
| Make | AC | Ford |
| Model | Cobra | F-150 |
| Year Released | 1961 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Pickup |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4265 cc | 5000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 256 HP | 360 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 365 Nm | 515 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Flex Fuel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed shiftable automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 980 kg | 2383 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3850 mm | 5890 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1560 mm | 2012 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1250 mm | 1900 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2290 mm | 3670 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 68 L | 98 L |
