1962 AC Cobra vs. 2002 Ford Mustang
To start off, 2002 Ford Mustang is newer by 40 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 4,601 cc (8 cylinders), 2002 Ford Mustang is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Ford Mustang (390 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 134 more horse power than 1962 AC Cobra. (256 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2002 Ford Mustang should accelerate faster than 1962 AC Cobra. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Ford Mustang weights approximately 498 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, 2002 Ford Mustang (529 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 164 more torque (in Nm) than 1962 AC Cobra. (365 Nm @ 4800 RPM). This means 2002 Ford Mustang will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1962 AC Cobra.
Compare all specifications:
| 1962 AC Cobra | 2002 Ford Mustang | |
| Make | AC | Ford |
| Model | Cobra | Mustang |
| Year Released | 1962 | 2002 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4265 cc | 4601 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 256 HP | 390 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 365 Nm | 529 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 96.5 mm | 90.2 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72.9 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 8.5:1 |
| 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 | 1482 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3850 mm | 4660 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1560 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1250 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2290 mm | 2580 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 68 L | 68 L |
