1966 AC Cobra vs. 1974 Ford Cortina
To start off, 1974 Ford Cortina is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1966 AC Cobra. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1966 AC Cobra 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 354 more horse power than 1974 Ford Cortina. (56 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1966 AC Cobra should accelerate faster than 1974 Ford Cortina. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1966 AC Cobra weights approximately 107 kg more than 1974 Ford Cortina. 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 560 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Ford Cortina. (91 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1966 AC Cobra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Ford Cortina.
Compare all specifications:
| 1966 AC Cobra | 1974 Ford Cortina | |
| Make | AC | Ford |
| Model | Cobra | Cortina |
| Year Released | 1966 | 1974 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 6997 cc | 1298 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 410 HP | 56 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 651 Nm | 91 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3700 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 107.7 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 96 mm | 63 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.5:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1147 kg | 1040 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3970 mm | 4280 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1250 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2290 mm | 2590 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 68 L | 87 L |
