1964 AC Cobra vs. 1996 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 1996 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 32 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 178 more horse power than 1996 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (89 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1964 AC Cobra should accelerate faster than 1996 Mazda MX-5 Miata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1964 AC Cobra weights approximately 45 kg more than 1996 Mazda MX-5 Miata. 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 297 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (129 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1964 AC Cobra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Compare all specifications:
| 1964 AC Cobra | 1996 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | AC | Mazda |
| Model | Cobra | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 1964 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4737 cc | 1596 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 267 HP | 89 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 426 Nm | 129 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 101.7 mm | 78 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72.9 mm | 83.6 mm |
| 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 | 965 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3850 mm | 3960 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1560 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1250 mm | 1240 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2290 mm | 2270 mm |
