1962 AC Cobra vs. 1974 Honda Z
To start off, 1974 Honda Z is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1962 AC Cobra. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1962 AC Cobra 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 232 more horse power than 1974 Honda Z. (24 HP @ 7000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1962 AC Cobra should accelerate faster than 1974 Honda Z. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1962 AC Cobra weights approximately 474 kg more than 1974 Honda Z. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1962 AC Cobra is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1962 AC Cobra. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1974 Honda Z, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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 335 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Honda Z. (30 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1962 AC Cobra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Honda Z.
Compare all specifications:
| 1962 AC Cobra | 1974 Honda Z | |
| Make | AC | Honda |
| Model | Cobra | Z |
| Year Released | 1962 | 1974 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4265 cc | 356 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 2 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 256 HP | 24 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 365 Nm | 30 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 96.5 mm | 62.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72.9 mm | 57.8 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 984 kg | 510 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3850 mm | 3000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1560 mm | 1300 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1250 mm | 1280 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2290 mm | 2010 mm |
