1966 AC Cobra vs. 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 47 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, 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL (423 HP @ 5250 RPM) has 13 more horse power than 1966 AC Cobra. (410 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1966 AC Cobra. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 638 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, 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL (700 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 49 more torque (in Nm) than 1966 AC Cobra. (651 Nm @ 3700 RPM). This means 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1966 AC Cobra.
Compare all specifications:
| 1966 AC Cobra | 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | AC | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Cobra | SL |
| Year Released | 1966 | 2013 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Roadster |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 6997 cc | 4600 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 410 HP | 423 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Torque | 651 Nm | 700 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3700 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 107.7 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 96 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.5:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Top Speed | 266 km/hour | 210 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 4-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1147 kg | 1785 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3970 mm | 4612 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 2099 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1250 mm | 1315 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2290 mm | 2585 mm |
