1966 AC Cobra vs. 1959 Austin A 40
To start off, 1966 AC Cobra is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1959 Austin A 40. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 Austin A 40 would be higher. At 6,997 cc (8 cylinders), 1966 AC Cobra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1966 AC Cobra (410 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 376 more horse power than 1959 Austin A 40. (34 HP @ 4750 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1966 AC Cobra should accelerate faster than 1959 Austin A 40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1966 AC Cobra weights approximately 387 kg more than 1959 Austin A 40. 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, 1966 AC Cobra (651 Nm @ 3700 RPM) has 583 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Austin A 40. (68 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1966 AC Cobra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Austin A 40.
Compare all specifications:
| 1966 AC Cobra | 1959 Austin A 40 | |
| Make | AC | Austin |
| Model | Cobra | A 40 |
| Year Released | 1966 | 1959 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 6997 cc | 997 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 410 HP | 34 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4750 RPM |
| Torque | 651 Nm | 68 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3700 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 107.7 mm | 62.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 96 mm | 76.2 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.5:1 | 8.3:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1147 kg | 760 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3970 mm | 3670 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1520 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1250 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2290 mm | 2130 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 68 L | 26 L |
