1963 AC Cobra vs. 1986 De Tomaso Pantera
To start off, 1986 De Tomaso Pantera 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 5,761 cc (8 cylinders), 1986 De Tomaso Pantera is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1986 De Tomaso Pantera (350 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 79 more horse power than 1963 AC Cobra. (271 HP @ 5750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1986 De Tomaso Pantera should accelerate faster than 1963 AC Cobra. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1986 De Tomaso Pantera weights approximately 370 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, 1986 De Tomaso Pantera (460 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 37 more torque (in Nm) than 1963 AC Cobra. (423 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1986 De Tomaso Pantera will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1963 AC Cobra.
Compare all specifications:
| 1963 AC Cobra | 1986 De Tomaso Pantera | |
| Make | AC | De Tomaso |
| Model | Cobra | Pantera |
| Year Released | 1963 | 1986 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 4727 cc | 5761 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 271 HP | 350 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 423 Nm | 460 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1050 kg | 1420 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3850 mm | 4380 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1560 mm | 1990 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1250 mm | 1110 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2290 mm | 2520 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 68 L | 102 L |
