1962 AC Cobra vs. 2009 Jaguar XJ
To start off, 2009 Jaguar XJ is newer by 47 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, 2009 Jaguar XJ (391 HP @ 6100 RPM) has 135 more horse power than 1962 AC Cobra. (256 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Jaguar XJ should accelerate faster than 1962 AC Cobra. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Jaguar XJ weights approximately 681 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.
Because 1962 AC Cobra is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1962 AC Cobra. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 Jaguar XJ, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 2009 Jaguar XJ (541 Nm @ 4100 RPM) has 176 more torque (in Nm) than 1962 AC Cobra. (365 Nm @ 4800 RPM). This means 2009 Jaguar XJ will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1962 AC Cobra. 2009 Jaguar XJ has automatic transmission and 1962 AC Cobra has manual transmission. 1962 AC Cobra will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 Jaguar XJ will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1962 AC Cobra | 2009 Jaguar XJ | |
| Make | AC | Jaguar |
| Model | Cobra | XJ |
| Year Released | 1962 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4265 cc | 4194 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 256 HP | 391 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 6100 RPM |
| Torque | 365 Nm | 541 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 4100 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 96.5 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72.9 mm | 90.3 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 9.1:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 233 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 984 kg | 1665 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3850 mm | 5100 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1560 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2290 mm | 3040 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 68 L | 85 L |
