1964 AC Cobra vs. 1997 TVR Speed 12
To start off, 1997 TVR Speed 12 is newer by 33 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 7,730 cc (12 cylinders), 1997 TVR Speed 12 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 TVR Speed 12 (800 HP @ 8250 RPM) has 533 more horse power than 1964 AC Cobra. (267 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 TVR Speed 12 should accelerate faster than 1964 AC Cobra. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1964 AC Cobra weights approximately 8 kg more than 1997 TVR Speed 12.
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, 1997 TVR Speed 12 (881 Nm @ 5750 RPM) has 455 more torque (in Nm) than 1964 AC Cobra. (426 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 1997 TVR Speed 12 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1964 AC Cobra.
Compare all specifications:
| 1964 AC Cobra | 1997 TVR Speed 12 | |
| Make | AC | TVR |
| Model | Cobra | Speed 12 |
| Year Released | 1964 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4737 cc | 7730 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 267 HP | 800 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 8250 RPM |
| Torque | 426 Nm | 881 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 5750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 101.7 mm | 96 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72.9 mm | 89 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 12.5:1 |
| 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 | 1002 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3850 mm | 4630 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1560 mm | 2040 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1250 mm | 1170 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2290 mm | 2650 mm |
