1963 AC Cobra vs. 1981 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 1981 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 18 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 181 more horse power than 1981 Volkswagen Golf. (90 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1963 AC Cobra should accelerate faster than 1981 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 135 kg more than 1963 AC Cobra.
Because 1963 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 1963 AC Cobra. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1981 Volkswagen Golf, 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, 1963 AC Cobra (423 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 278 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Volkswagen Golf. (145 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1963 AC Cobra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Volkswagen Golf.
Compare all specifications:
| 1963 AC Cobra | 1981 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | AC | Volkswagen |
| Model | Cobra | Golf |
| Year Released | 1963 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4727 cc | 1781 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 271 HP | 90 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 423 Nm | 145 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1050 kg | 1185 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3850 mm | 3820 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1560 mm | 1640 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1250 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2290 mm | 2480 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 68 L | 55 L |
