1963 AC Cobra vs. 1996 Saab 900
To start off, 1996 Saab 900 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, 1963 AC Cobra (271 HP @ 5750 RPM) has 139 more horse power than 1996 Saab 900. (132 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1963 AC Cobra should accelerate faster than 1996 Saab 900. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Saab 900 weights approximately 265 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, 1996 Saab 900, 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 246 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Saab 900. (177 Nm @ 4300 RPM). This means 1963 AC Cobra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Saab 900.
Compare all specifications:
| 1963 AC Cobra | 1996 Saab 900 | |
| Make | AC | Saab |
| Model | Cobra | 900 |
| Year Released | 1963 | 1996 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4727 cc | 1985 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 271 HP | 132 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 423 Nm | 177 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 4300 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 10.1:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1050 kg | 1315 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3850 mm | 4640 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1560 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1250 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2290 mm | 2520 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 68 L | 68 L |
