1962 AC Cobra vs. 1991 Chevrolet Nova
To start off, 1991 Chevrolet Nova is newer by 29 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 5,025 cc (8 cylinders), 1991 Chevrolet Nova is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1962 AC Cobra (256 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 56 more horse power than 1991 Chevrolet Nova. (200 HP @ 4600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1962 AC Cobra should accelerate faster than 1991 Chevrolet Nova. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1991 Chevrolet Nova weights approximately 454 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, 1991 Chevrolet Nova (407 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 42 more torque (in Nm) than 1962 AC Cobra. (365 Nm @ 4800 RPM). This means 1991 Chevrolet Nova will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1962 AC Cobra.
Compare all specifications:
| 1962 AC Cobra | 1991 Chevrolet Nova | |
| Make | AC | Chevrolet |
| Model | Cobra | Nova |
| Year Released | 1962 | 1991 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4265 cc | 5025 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 256 HP | 200 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Torque | 365 Nm | 407 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 96.5 mm | 98.4 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72.9 mm | 82.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 233 km/hour | 177 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 984 kg | 1438 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3850 mm | 4820 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1560 mm | 1850 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1250 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2290 mm | 2830 mm |
