1962 AC Cobra vs. 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 43 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 5,980 cc (12 cylinders), 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL (604 HP @ 4200 RPM) has 348 more horse power than 1962 AC Cobra. (256 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1962 AC Cobra. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 1076 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, 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL (1,001 Nm) has 636 more torque (in Nm) than 1962 AC Cobra. (365 Nm). This means 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1962 AC Cobra.
Compare all specifications:
| 1962 AC Cobra | 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | AC | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Cobra | SL |
| Year Released | 1962 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4265 cc | 5980 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 256 HP | 604 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 365 Nm | 1001 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 96.5 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72.9 mm | 93 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 984 kg | 2060 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3850 mm | 4540 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1560 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1250 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2290 mm | 2570 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 68 L | 80 L |
