1963 AC Cobra vs. 2009 Ford Explorer
To start off, 2009 Ford Explorer is newer by 46 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, 2009 Ford Explorer (292 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 21 more horse power than 1963 AC Cobra. (271 HP @ 5750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Ford Explorer should accelerate faster than 1963 AC Cobra. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1963 AC Cobra weights approximately 84 kg more than 2009 Ford Explorer.
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, 2009 Ford Explorer (427 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 4 more torque (in Nm) than 1963 AC Cobra. (423 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2009 Ford Explorer will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1963 AC Cobra. 2009 Ford Explorer 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. 2009 Ford Explorer will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1963 AC Cobra | 2009 Ford Explorer | |
| Make | AC | Ford |
| Model | Cobra | Explorer |
| Year Released | 1963 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Roadster | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4727 cc | 4606 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 271 HP | 292 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 423 Nm | 427 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 10.8:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1050 kg | 966 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3850 mm | 4920 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1560 mm | 1880 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1250 mm | 1830 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2290 mm | 2890 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 68 L | 85 L |
