1962 AC Cobra vs. 1959 Austin A 55
To start off, 1962 AC Cobra is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1959 Austin A 55. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 Austin A 55 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 202 more horse power than 1959 Austin A 55. (54 HP @ 4350 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1962 AC Cobra should accelerate faster than 1959 Austin A 55. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1959 Austin A 55 weights approximately 136 kg more than 1962 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, 1962 AC Cobra (365 Nm) has 297 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Austin A 55. (68 Nm). This means 1962 AC Cobra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Austin A 55.
Compare all specifications:
| 1962 AC Cobra | 1959 Austin A 55 | |
| Make | AC | Austin |
| Model | Cobra | A 55 |
| Year Released | 1962 | 1959 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4265 cc | 1489 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 256 HP | 54 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 4350 RPM |
| Torque | 365 Nm | 68 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 96.5 mm | 73 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72.9 mm | 88.9 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 8.3:1 |
| Top Speed | 233 km/hour | 122 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 984 kg | 1120 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3850 mm | 4460 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1560 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1250 mm | 1530 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2290 mm | 2530 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 68 L | 45 L |
