1964 AC Cobra vs. 2008 Panoz Esperante
To start off, 2008 Panoz Esperante is newer by 44 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, 2008 Panoz Esperante (305 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 38 more horse power than 1964 AC Cobra. (267 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Panoz Esperante should accelerate faster than 1964 AC Cobra.
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, 2008 Panoz Esperante (434 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 8 more torque (in Nm) than 1964 AC Cobra. (426 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 2008 Panoz Esperante will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1964 AC Cobra.
Compare all specifications:
| 1964 AC Cobra | 2008 Panoz Esperante | |
| Make | AC | Panoz |
| Model | Cobra | Esperante |
| Year Released | 1964 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4737 cc | 4589 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 267 HP | 305 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 426 Nm | 434 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 101.7 mm | 90.2 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72.9 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 9.8:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 3850 mm | 4480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1560 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1250 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2290 mm | 2700 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 68 L | 59 L |
