1963 AC Cobra vs. 1988 Honda Prelude
To start off, 1988 Honda Prelude is newer by 25 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 159 more horse power than 1988 Honda Prelude. (112 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1963 AC Cobra should accelerate faster than 1988 Honda Prelude. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Honda Prelude weights approximately 55 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, 1988 Honda Prelude, 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 266 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Honda Prelude. (157 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1963 AC Cobra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Honda Prelude.
Compare all specifications:
| 1963 AC Cobra | 1988 Honda Prelude | |
| Make | AC | Honda |
| Model | Cobra | Prelude |
| Year Released | 1963 | 1988 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4727 cc | 1956 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 271 HP | 112 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 423 Nm | 157 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 8.9:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1050 kg | 1105 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3850 mm | 4470 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1560 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1250 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2290 mm | 2580 mm |
