1985 AC Cobra vs. 1974 Lotus Elite
To start off, 1985 AC Cobra is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Lotus Elite. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Lotus Elite 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 (223 HP @ 4200 RPM) has 81 more horse power than 1974 Lotus Elite. (142 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1985 AC Cobra should accelerate faster than 1974 Lotus Elite. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1985 AC Cobra weights approximately 20 kg more than 1974 Lotus Elite. 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 (407 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 230 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Lotus Elite. (177 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1985 AC Cobra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Lotus Elite.
Compare all specifications:
| 1985 AC Cobra | 1974 Lotus Elite | |
| Make | AC | Lotus |
| Model | Cobra | Elite |
| Year Released | 1985 | 1974 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4942 cc | 1973 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 223 HP | 142 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4200 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 407 Nm | 177 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1080 kg | 1060 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4210 mm | 4470 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1210 mm | 1220 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2300 mm | 2490 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 90 L | 67 L |
