1963 AC Cobra vs. 1998 Lotus Elise
To start off, 1998 Lotus Elise is newer by 35 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 84 more horse power than 1998 Lotus Elise. (187 HP @ 7000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1963 AC Cobra should accelerate faster than 1998 Lotus Elise. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1963 AC Cobra weights approximately 336 kg more than 1998 Lotus Elise. 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, 1963 AC Cobra (423 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 230 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Lotus Elise. (193 Nm @ 5600 RPM). This means 1963 AC Cobra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Lotus Elise.
Compare all specifications:
| 1963 AC Cobra | 1998 Lotus Elise | |
| Make | AC | Lotus |
| Model | Cobra | Elise |
| Year Released | 1963 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Roadster |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 4727 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 271 HP | 187 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 423 Nm | 193 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1050 kg | 714 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3850 mm | 3740 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1560 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1250 mm | 1210 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2290 mm | 2310 mm |
