1962 AC Cobra vs. 1957 Lotus Seven
To start off, 1962 AC Cobra is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1957 Lotus Seven. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1957 Lotus Seven would be higher. At 4,265 cc (8 cylinders), 1962 AC Cobra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1962 AC Cobra (256 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 130 more horse power than 1957 Lotus Seven. (126 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1962 AC Cobra should accelerate faster than 1957 Lotus Seven. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1962 AC Cobra weights approximately 234 kg more than 1957 Lotus Seven. 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, 1962 AC Cobra (365 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 212 more torque (in Nm) than 1957 Lotus Seven. (153 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 1962 AC Cobra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1957 Lotus Seven.
Compare all specifications:
| 1962 AC Cobra | 1957 Lotus Seven | |
| Make | AC | Lotus |
| Model | Cobra | Seven |
| Year Released | 1962 | 1957 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Roadster |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4265 cc | 1558 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 256 HP | 126 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 365 Nm | 153 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 10.3:1 |
| Top Speed | 233 km/hour | 161 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 984 kg | 750 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3850 mm | 3370 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1560 mm | 1560 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1250 mm | 950 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2290 mm | 2190 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 68 L | 29 L |
