1966 AC Cobra vs. 2001 McLaren F1
To start off, 2001 McLaren F1 is newer by 35 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, 2001 McLaren F1 (618 HP @ 7400 RPM) has 208 more horse power than 1966 AC Cobra. (410 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2001 McLaren F1 should accelerate faster than 1966 AC Cobra. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 McLaren F1 weights approximately 23 kg more than 1966 AC Cobra. 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 2 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 McLaren F1. (649 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1966 AC Cobra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 McLaren F1.
Compare all specifications:
| 1966 AC Cobra | 2001 McLaren F1 | |
| Make | AC | McLaren |
| Model | Cobra | F1 |
| Year Released | 1966 | 2001 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 6997 cc | 6063 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 410 HP | 618 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 7400 RPM |
| Torque | 651 Nm | 649 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3700 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 3 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1147 kg | 1170 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3970 mm | 4290 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1250 mm | 1150 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2290 mm | 2720 mm |
