1963 AC Cobra vs. 1988 Renault 19
To start off, 1988 Renault 19 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 192 more horse power than 1988 Renault 19. (79 HP @ 5750 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1963 AC Cobra should accelerate faster than 1988 Renault 19. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1963 AC Cobra weights approximately 110 kg more than 1988 Renault 19. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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 Renault 19, 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 316 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Renault 19. (107 Nm @ 2750 RPM). This means 1963 AC Cobra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Renault 19. 1988 Renault 19 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. 1988 Renault 19 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1963 AC Cobra | 1988 Renault 19 | |
| Make | AC | Renault |
| Model | Cobra | 19 |
| Year Released | 1963 | 1988 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4727 cc | 1388 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 271 HP | 79 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 5750 RPM |
| Torque | 423 Nm | 107 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 2750 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 217 km/hour | 160 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1050 kg | 940 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3850 mm | 4160 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1560 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1250 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2290 mm | 2550 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 68 L | 55 L |
