1985 AC Cobra vs. 1998 Acura NSX
To start off, 1998 Acura NSX is newer by 13 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, 1998 Acura NSX (276 HP @ 7300 RPM) has 53 more horse power than 1985 AC Cobra. (223 HP @ 4200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Acura NSX should accelerate faster than 1985 AC Cobra. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Acura NSX weights approximately 380 kg more than 1985 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 (407 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 103 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Acura NSX. (304 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 1985 AC Cobra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Acura NSX.
Compare all specifications:
| 1985 AC Cobra | 1998 Acura NSX | |
| Make | AC | Acura |
| Model | Cobra | NSX |
| Year Released | 1985 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 4942 cc | 3179 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 223 HP | 276 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4200 RPM | 7300 RPM |
| Torque | 407 Nm | 304 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 5500 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 | 1080 kg | 1460 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4210 mm | 4430 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1210 mm | 1180 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2300 mm | 2540 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 90 L | 68 L |
