1962 AC Cobra vs. 2006 Lotus Elise
To start off, 2006 Lotus Elise is newer by 44 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 66 more horse power than 2006 Lotus Elise. (190 HP @ 7800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1962 AC Cobra should accelerate faster than 2006 Lotus Elise. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1962 AC Cobra weights approximately 34 kg more than 2006 Lotus Elise. 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, 1962 AC Cobra (365 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 185 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Lotus Elise. (180 Nm @ 6800 RPM). This means 1962 AC Cobra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Lotus Elise.
Compare all specifications:
| 1962 AC Cobra | 2006 Lotus Elise | |
| Make | AC | Lotus |
| Model | Cobra | Elise |
| Year Released | 1962 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Roadster |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 4265 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 256 HP | 190 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 7800 RPM |
| Torque | 365 Nm | 180 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 6800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 96.5 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72.9 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 12.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Top Speed | 233 km/hour | 241 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 984 kg | 950 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3850 mm | 3790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1560 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1250 mm | 1150 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2290 mm | 2310 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 68 L | 40 L |
