1963 AC Cobra vs. 2001 Ford Thunderbird
To start off, 2001 Ford Thunderbird is newer by 38 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 22 more horse power than 2001 Ford Thunderbird. (249 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1963 AC Cobra should accelerate faster than 2001 Ford Thunderbird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Ford Thunderbird weights approximately 695 kg more than 1963 AC Cobra.
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 35 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 Ford Thunderbird. (388 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1963 AC Cobra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 Ford Thunderbird. 2001 Ford Thunderbird 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. 2001 Ford Thunderbird will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1963 AC Cobra | 2001 Ford Thunderbird | |
| Make | AC | Ford |
| Model | Cobra | Thunderbird |
| Year Released | 1963 | 2001 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4727 cc | 3933 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 271 HP | 249 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 423 Nm | 388 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 10.6:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 217 km/hour | 233 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1050 kg | 1745 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3850 mm | 4740 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1560 mm | 1840 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1250 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2290 mm | 2730 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 68 L | 59 L |
