1966 AC Cobra vs. 2009 Mazda 3
To start off, 2009 Mazda 3 is newer by 43 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 306 more horse power than 2009 Mazda 3. (104 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1966 AC Cobra should accelerate faster than 2009 Mazda 3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Mazda 3 weights approximately 38 kg more than 1966 AC Cobra.
Because 1966 AC Cobra is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1966 AC Cobra. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 Mazda 3, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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 506 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Mazda 3. (145 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1966 AC Cobra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Mazda 3.
Compare all specifications:
| 1966 AC Cobra | 2009 Mazda 3 | |
| Make | AC | Mazda |
| Model | Cobra | 3 |
| Year Released | 1966 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 6997 cc | 1595 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 410 HP | 104 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 651 Nm | 145 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3700 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 107.7 mm | 78 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 96 mm | 83.6 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.5:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Top Speed | 266 km/hour | 185 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1147 kg | 1185 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3970 mm | 4500 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1250 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2290 mm | 2650 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 68 L | 55 L |
