1963 AC Cobra vs. 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS
To start off, 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS is newer by 48 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, 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS (402 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 131 more horse power than 1963 AC Cobra. (271 HP @ 5750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS should accelerate faster than 1963 AC Cobra. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS weights approximately 836 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, 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS (600 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 177 more torque (in Nm) than 1963 AC Cobra. (423 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1963 AC Cobra. 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS 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. 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1963 AC Cobra | 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS | |
| Make | AC | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Cobra | CLS |
| Year Released | 1963 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4727 cc | 4700 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 271 HP | 402 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 423 Nm | 600 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 7-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1050 kg | 1886 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3850 mm | 4940 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1560 mm | 1882 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1250 mm | 1417 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2290 mm | 2875 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 68 L | 80 L |
