1962 AC Cobra vs. 1981 Fiat 131
To start off, 1981 Fiat 131 is newer by 19 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 185 more horse power than 1981 Fiat 131. (71 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1962 AC Cobra should accelerate faster than 1981 Fiat 131. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Fiat 131 weights approximately 76 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 @ 4800 RPM) has 255 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Fiat 131. (110 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 1962 AC Cobra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Fiat 131.
Compare all specifications:
| 1962 AC Cobra | 1981 Fiat 131 | |
| Make | AC | Fiat |
| Model | Cobra | 131 |
| Year Released | 1962 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4265 cc | 1367 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 256 HP | 71 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 365 Nm | 110 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 7.4:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 984 kg | 1060 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3850 mm | 4270 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1560 mm | 1660 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1250 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2290 mm | 2500 mm |
