1963 AC Cobra vs. 1986 Chevrolet Corvette
To start off, 1986 Chevrolet Corvette is newer by 23 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 5,733 cc (8 cylinders), 1986 Chevrolet Corvette is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1963 AC Cobra (271 HP @ 5750 RPM) has 41 more horse power than 1986 Chevrolet Corvette. (230 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1963 AC Cobra should accelerate faster than 1986 Chevrolet Corvette. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1986 Chevrolet Corvette weights approximately 388 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, 1986 Chevrolet Corvette (447 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 24 more torque (in Nm) than 1963 AC Cobra. (423 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1986 Chevrolet Corvette will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1963 AC Cobra. 1986 Chevrolet Corvette 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. 1986 Chevrolet Corvette will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1963 AC Cobra | 1986 Chevrolet Corvette | |
| Make | AC | Chevrolet |
| Model | Cobra | Corvette |
| Year Released | 1963 | 1986 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4727 cc | 5733 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 271 HP | 230 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 423 Nm | 447 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 217 km/hour | 200 km/hour |
| 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 | 1438 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3850 mm | 4490 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1560 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1250 mm | 1190 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2290 mm | 2450 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 68 L | 68 L |
