1962 AC Cobra vs. 1977 Lancia Stratos
To start off, 1977 Lancia Stratos is newer by 15 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 69 more horse power than 1977 Lancia Stratos. (187 HP @ 7000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1962 AC Cobra should accelerate faster than 1977 Lancia Stratos. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1962 AC Cobra weights approximately 4 kg more than 1977 Lancia Stratos. 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 140 more torque (in Nm) than 1977 Lancia Stratos. (225 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1962 AC Cobra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1977 Lancia Stratos.
Compare all specifications:
| 1962 AC Cobra | 1977 Lancia Stratos | |
| Make | AC | Lancia |
| Model | Cobra | Stratos |
| Year Released | 1962 | 1977 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 4265 cc | 2419 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 256 HP | 187 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 365 Nm | 225 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 96.5 mm | 92.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72.9 mm | 60 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 233 km/hour | 230 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 | 980 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3850 mm | 3710 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1560 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1250 mm | 1120 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2290 mm | 2190 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 68 L | 80 L |
