1985 AC Cobra vs. 1996 Lotus Esprit
To start off, 1996 Lotus Esprit is newer by 11 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, 1996 Lotus Esprit (285 HP) has 62 more horse power than 1985 AC Cobra. (223 HP) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster 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, 1996 Lotus Esprit (510 Nm) has 103 more torque (in Nm) than 1985 AC Cobra. (407 Nm). This means 1996 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1985 AC Cobra.
Compare all specifications:
| 1985 AC Cobra | 1996 Lotus Esprit | |
| Make | AC | Lotus |
| Model | Cobra | Esprit |
| Year Released | 1985 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 4942 cc | 2174 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 223 HP | 285 HP |
| Torque | 407 Nm | 510 Nm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4210 mm | 4430 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1840 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1210 mm | 1150 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2300 mm | 2420 mm |
