1963 AC Cobra vs. 2008 Panoz Esperante
To start off, 2008 Panoz Esperante is newer by 45 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, 2008 Panoz Esperante (305 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 34 more horse power than 1963 AC Cobra. (271 HP @ 5750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Panoz Esperante should accelerate faster than 1963 AC Cobra. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Panoz Esperante weights approximately 485 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, 2008 Panoz Esperante (434 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 11 more torque (in Nm) than 1963 AC Cobra. (423 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2008 Panoz Esperante will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1963 AC Cobra.
Compare all specifications:
| 1963 AC Cobra | 2008 Panoz Esperante | |
| Make | AC | Panoz |
| Model | Cobra | Esperante |
| Year Released | 1963 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4727 cc | 4589 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 271 HP | 305 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 423 Nm | 434 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 9.8:1 |
| Top Speed | 217 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| 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 | 1535 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3850 mm | 4730 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1560 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1250 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2290 mm | 2700 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 68 L | 59 L |
