1985 AC Cobra vs. 1974 Rover 3.5
To start off, 1985 AC Cobra is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Rover 3.5. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Rover 3.5 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 171 more horse power than 1974 Rover 3.5. (149 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1985 AC Cobra should accelerate faster than 1974 Rover 3.5. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 Rover 3.5 weights approximately 463 kg more than 1985 AC Cobra.
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 246 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Rover 3.5. (276 Nm @ 2600 RPM). This means 1985 AC Cobra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Rover 3.5. 1974 Rover 3.5 has automatic transmission and 1985 AC Cobra has manual transmission. 1985 AC Cobra will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1974 Rover 3.5 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1985 AC Cobra | 1974 Rover 3.5 | |
| Make | AC | Rover |
| Model | Cobra | 3.5 |
| Year Released | 1985 | 1974 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4942 cc | 3532 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 320 HP | 149 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 522 Nm | 276 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 2600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1175 kg | 1638 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4210 mm | 4750 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1210 mm | 1550 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2300 mm | 2820 mm |
