1962 AC Cobra vs. 1979 Aston Martin V8 Volante
To start off, 1979 Aston Martin V8 Volante is newer by 17 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 5,341 cc (8 cylinders), 1979 Aston Martin V8 Volante is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1979 Aston Martin V8 Volante (317 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 61 more horse power than 1962 AC Cobra. (256 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1979 Aston Martin V8 Volante should accelerate faster than 1962 AC Cobra. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Aston Martin V8 Volante weights approximately 834 kg more than 1962 AC Cobra. 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, 1979 Aston Martin V8 Volante (434 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 69 more torque (in Nm) than 1962 AC Cobra. (365 Nm @ 4800 RPM). This means 1979 Aston Martin V8 Volante will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1962 AC Cobra.
Compare all specifications:
| 1962 AC Cobra | 1979 Aston Martin V8 Volante | |
| Make | AC | Aston Martin |
| Model | Cobra | V8 Volante |
| Year Released | 1962 | 1979 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4265 cc | 5341 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 256 HP | 317 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 365 Nm | 434 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 96.5 mm | 100 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72.9 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 10.2:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 233 km/hour | 241 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 | 1818 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3850 mm | 4670 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1560 mm | 1890 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1250 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2290 mm | 2620 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 68 L | 97 L |
