1963 AC Cobra vs. 1974 Datsun 260Z
To start off, 1974 Datsun 260Z 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 4,727 cc (8 cylinders), 1963 AC Cobra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1963 AC Cobra (271 HP @ 5750 RPM) has 108 more horse power than 1974 Datsun 260Z. (163 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1963 AC Cobra should accelerate faster than 1974 Datsun 260Z. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 Datsun 260Z weights approximately 50 kg more than 1963 AC Cobra.
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, 1963 AC Cobra (423 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 210 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Datsun 260Z. (213 Nm @ 4400 RPM). This means 1963 AC Cobra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Datsun 260Z. 1974 Datsun 260Z 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 Datsun 260Z will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1963 AC Cobra | 1974 Datsun 260Z | |
| Make | AC | Datsun |
| Model | Cobra | 260Z |
| Year Released | 1963 | 1974 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4727 cc | 2565 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 271 HP | 163 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 423 Nm | 213 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 8.3:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Top Speed | 217 km/hour | 204 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1050 kg | 1100 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3850 mm | 4135 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1560 mm | 1630 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1250 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2290 mm | 2310 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 68 L | 60 L |
