1963 AC Cobra vs. 1996 Aston Martin Virage
To start off, 1996 Aston Martin Virage is newer by 33 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 5,338 cc (8 cylinders), 1996 Aston Martin Virage is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Aston Martin Virage (344 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 73 more horse power than 1963 AC Cobra. (271 HP @ 5750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Aston Martin Virage should accelerate faster than 1963 AC Cobra. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Aston Martin Virage weights approximately 950 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, 1996 Aston Martin Virage (450 Nm @ 3700 RPM) has 27 more torque (in Nm) than 1963 AC Cobra. (423 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1996 Aston Martin Virage will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1963 AC Cobra. 1996 Aston Martin Virage 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. 1996 Aston Martin Virage will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1963 AC Cobra | 1996 Aston Martin Virage | |
| Make | AC | Aston Martin |
| Model | Cobra | Virage |
| Year Released | 1963 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4727 cc | 5338 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 271 HP | 344 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 423 Nm | 450 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 3700 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1050 kg | 2000 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3850 mm | 4750 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1560 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1250 mm | 1410 mm |
