1962 AC Cobra vs. 1978 Lancia Gamma

To start off, 1978 Lancia Gamma is newer by 16 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 140 more horse power than 1978 Lancia Gamma. (116 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1962 AC Cobra should accelerate faster than 1978 Lancia Gamma. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Lancia Gamma weights approximately 342 kg more than 1962 AC Cobra.

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, 1978 Lancia Gamma, 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 190 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Lancia Gamma. (175 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1962 AC Cobra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Lancia Gamma. 1978 Lancia Gamma has automatic transmission and 1962 AC Cobra has manual transmission. 1962 AC Cobra will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1978 Lancia Gamma will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.

Compare all specifications:

1962 AC Cobra 1978 Lancia Gamma
Make AC Lancia
Model Cobra Gamma
Year Released 1962 1978
Engine Position Front Front
Engine Size 4265 cc 1999 cc
Engine Cylinders 8 cylinders 4 cylinders
Engine Type V in-line
Horse Power 256 HP 116 HP
Engine RPM 5800 RPM 5500 RPM
Torque 365 Nm 175 Nm
Torque RPM 4800 RPM 3500 RPM
Engine Bore Size 96.5 mm 84 mm
Engine Stroke Size 72.9 mm 90 mm
Engine Compression Ratio 10.0:1 8.9:1
Fuel Type Gasoline Gasoline
Drive Type Rear Front
Transmission Type Manual Automatic
Number of Seats 2 seats 5 seats
Number of Doors 2 doors 5 doors
Vehicle Weight 984 kg 1326 kg
Vehicle Length 3850 mm 4580 mm
Vehicle Width 1560 mm 1740 mm
Vehicle Height 1250 mm 1420 mm
Wheelbase Size 2290 mm 2680 mm
Fuel Tank Capacity 68 L 59 L