1963 AC Cobra vs. 1974 AC 428
To start off, 1974 AC 428 is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1963 AC Cobra. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1963 AC Cobra would be higher. At 7,003 cc (8 cylinders), 1974 AC 428 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1974 AC 428 (298 HP @ 4600 RPM) has 27 more horse power than 1963 AC Cobra. (271 HP @ 5750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1974 AC 428 should accelerate faster than 1963 AC Cobra. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 AC 428 weights approximately 380 kg more than 1963 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, 1974 AC 428 (639 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 216 more torque (in Nm) than 1963 AC Cobra. (423 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1974 AC 428 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1963 AC Cobra. 1974 AC 428 has automatic transmission and 1963 AC Cobra has manual transmission. 1963 AC Cobra will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1974 AC 428 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1963 AC Cobra | 1974 AC 428 | |
| Make | AC | AC |
| Model | Cobra | 428 |
| Year Released | 1963 | 1974 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4727 cc | 7003 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 271 HP | 298 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Torque | 423 Nm | 639 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1050 kg | 1430 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3850 mm | 4430 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1560 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1250 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2290 mm | 2450 mm |
