1964 AC Cobra vs. 1969 Lotus Elan
To start off, 1969 Lotus Elan is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1964 AC Cobra. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1964 AC Cobra would be higher. At 4,737 cc (8 cylinders), 1964 AC Cobra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1964 AC Cobra (267 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 159 more horse power than 1969 Lotus Elan. (108 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1964 AC Cobra should accelerate faster than 1969 Lotus Elan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1964 AC Cobra weights approximately 310 kg more than 1969 Lotus Elan. 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, 1964 AC Cobra (426 Nm @ 3400 RPM) has 279 more torque (in Nm) than 1969 Lotus Elan. (147 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1964 AC Cobra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1969 Lotus Elan.
Compare all specifications:
1964 AC Cobra | 1969 Lotus Elan | |
Make | AC | Lotus |
Model | Cobra | Elan |
Year Released | 1964 | 1969 |
Body Type | Roadster | Convertible |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 4737 cc | 1558 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | V | in-line |
Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
Horse Power | 267 HP | 108 HP |
Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
Torque | 426 Nm | 147 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 4000 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 101.7 mm | 82.6 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 72.9 mm | 72.8 mm |
Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 9.5:1 |
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 | 1010 kg | 700 kg |
Vehicle Length | 3850 mm | 3690 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1560 mm | 1430 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1250 mm | 1170 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2290 mm | 2140 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 68 L | 45 L |