1962 AC Cobra vs. 2012 Mazda MazdaSpeed3
To start off, 2012 Mazda MazdaSpeed3 is newer by 50 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, 2012 Mazda MazdaSpeed3 (263 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 7 more horse power than 1962 AC Cobra. (256 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mazda MazdaSpeed3 should accelerate faster than 1962 AC Cobra. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Mazda MazdaSpeed3 weights approximately 504 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, 2012 Mazda MazdaSpeed3, 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, 2012 Mazda MazdaSpeed3 (379 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 14 more torque (in Nm) than 1962 AC Cobra. (365 Nm @ 4800 RPM). This means 2012 Mazda MazdaSpeed3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1962 AC Cobra.
Compare all specifications:
| 1962 AC Cobra | 2012 Mazda MazdaSpeed3 | |
| Make | AC | Mazda |
| Model | Cobra | MazdaSpeed3 |
| Year Released | 1962 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4265 cc | 2300 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 256 HP | 263 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 365 Nm | 379 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 984 kg | 1488 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3850 mm | 4511 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1560 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1250 mm | 1461 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2290 mm | 2639 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 68 L | 60 L |
