1985 AC Cobra vs. 1998 TVR Speed 12
To start off, 1998 TVR Speed 12 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 7,730 cc (12 cylinders), 1998 TVR Speed 12 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 TVR Speed 12 (790 HP @ 7750 RPM) has 470 more horse power than 1985 AC Cobra. (320 HP @ 5700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 TVR Speed 12 should accelerate faster than 1985 AC Cobra. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1985 AC Cobra weights approximately 175 kg more than 1998 TVR Speed 12.
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, 1998 TVR Speed 12 (881 Nm @ 5750 RPM) has 359 more torque (in Nm) than 1985 AC Cobra. (522 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 1998 TVR Speed 12 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1985 AC Cobra.
Compare all specifications:
| 1985 AC Cobra | 1998 TVR Speed 12 | |
| Make | AC | TVR |
| Model | Cobra | Speed 12 |
| Year Released | 1985 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 4942 cc | 7730 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 320 HP | 790 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 7750 RPM |
| Torque | 522 Nm | 881 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 5750 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 | 1175 kg | 1000 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4210 mm | 4310 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1970 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1210 mm | 1110 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2300 mm | 2570 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 57 L |
