1985 AC Cobra vs. 1961 AC Cobra
To start off, 1985 AC Cobra is newer by 24 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1961 AC Cobra. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1961 AC Cobra 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 64 more horse power than 1961 AC Cobra. (256 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1985 AC Cobra should accelerate faster than 1961 AC Cobra. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1985 AC Cobra weights approximately 195 kg more than 1961 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, 1985 AC Cobra (522 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 157 more torque (in Nm) than 1961 AC Cobra. (365 Nm @ 4800 RPM). This means 1985 AC Cobra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1961 AC Cobra.
Compare all specifications:
| 1985 AC Cobra | 1961 AC Cobra | |
| Make | AC | AC |
| Model | Cobra | Cobra |
| Year Released | 1985 | 1961 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Roadster |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4942 cc | 4265 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 320 HP | 256 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 522 Nm | 365 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1175 kg | 980 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4210 mm | 3850 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1560 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1210 mm | 1250 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2300 mm | 2290 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 68 L |
