1963 AC Cobra vs. 1996 Jaguar XK
To start off, 1996 Jaguar XK 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 4,727 cc (8 cylinders), 1963 AC Cobra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Jaguar XK (370 HP @ 6150 RPM) has 99 more horse power than 1963 AC Cobra. (271 HP @ 5750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Jaguar XK should accelerate faster than 1963 AC Cobra. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Jaguar XK weights approximately 590 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 Jaguar XK (525 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 102 more torque (in Nm) than 1963 AC Cobra. (423 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1996 Jaguar XK will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1963 AC Cobra. 1996 Jaguar XK 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 Jaguar XK will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1963 AC Cobra | 1996 Jaguar XK | |
| Make | AC | Jaguar |
| Model | Cobra | XK |
| Year Released | 1963 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4727 cc | 3996 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 271 HP | 370 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 6150 RPM |
| Torque | 423 Nm | 525 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 3600 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 | 1640 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3850 mm | 4770 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1560 mm | 1840 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1250 mm | 1320 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2290 mm | 2600 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 68 L | 75 L |
