1985 AC Cobra vs. 1959 Ford Zephyr
To start off, 1985 AC Cobra is newer by 26 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1959 Ford Zephyr. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 Ford Zephyr would be higher. At 4,942 cc (8 cylinders), 1985 AC Cobra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1985 AC Cobra (320 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 244 more horse power than 1959 Ford Zephyr. (76 HP @ 4400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1985 AC Cobra should accelerate faster than 1959 Ford Zephyr. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1985 AC Cobra weights approximately 5 kg more than 1959 Ford Zephyr. 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, 1985 AC Cobra (522 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 335 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Ford Zephyr. (187 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1985 AC Cobra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Ford Zephyr.
Compare all specifications:
| 1985 AC Cobra | 1959 Ford Zephyr | |
| Make | AC | Ford |
| Model | Cobra | Zephyr |
| Year Released | 1985 | 1959 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4942 cc | 2552 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 320 HP | 76 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 522 Nm | 187 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1175 kg | 1170 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4210 mm | 4560 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1210 mm | 1520 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2300 mm | 2720 mm |
