1985 AC Cobra vs. 1986 Ford Orion
To start off, 1986 Ford Orion is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1985 AC Cobra. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1985 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 (223 HP @ 4200 RPM) has 119 more horse power than 1986 Ford Orion. (104 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1985 AC Cobra should accelerate faster than 1986 Ford Orion. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1985 AC Cobra weights approximately 186 kg more than 1986 Ford Orion. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1985 AC Cobra is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1985 AC Cobra. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1986 Ford Orion, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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 270 more torque (in Nm) than 1986 Ford Orion. (137 Nm @ 4800 RPM). This means 1985 AC Cobra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1986 Ford Orion.
Compare all specifications:
| 1985 AC Cobra | 1986 Ford Orion | |
| Make | AC | Ford |
| Model | Cobra | Orion |
| Year Released | 1985 | 1986 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4942 cc | 1608 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 223 HP | 104 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4200 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 407 Nm | 137 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1080 kg | 894 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4210 mm | 4070 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1650 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1210 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2300 mm | 2410 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 90 L | 48 L |
