1962 AC Cobra vs. 1986 Jaguar XJS
To start off, 1986 Jaguar XJS is newer by 24 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 39 more horse power than 1986 Jaguar XJS. (217 HP @ 5300 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1962 AC Cobra should accelerate faster than 1986 Jaguar XJS. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1986 Jaguar XJS weights approximately 646 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 40 more torque (in Nm) than 1986 Jaguar XJS. (325 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1962 AC Cobra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1986 Jaguar XJS.
Compare all specifications:
| 1962 AC Cobra | 1986 Jaguar XJS | |
| Make | AC | Jaguar |
| Model | Cobra | XJS |
| Year Released | 1962 | 1986 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4265 cc | 3590 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 256 HP | 217 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5300 RPM |
| Torque | 365 Nm | 325 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 96.5 mm | 91 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72.9 mm | 92 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 984 kg | 1630 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3850 mm | 4880 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1560 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1250 mm | 1270 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2290 mm | 2600 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 68 L | 90 L |
