1985 AC Cobra vs. 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 20 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 (320 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 212 more horse power than 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (108 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1985 AC Cobra should accelerate faster than 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1985 AC Cobra weights approximately 65 kg more than 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata. 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 (522 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 388 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (134 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1985 AC Cobra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Compare all specifications:
| 1985 AC Cobra | 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | AC | Mazda |
| Model | Cobra | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 1985 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4942 cc | 1597 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 320 HP | 108 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 522 Nm | 134 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| 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 | 1110 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4210 mm | 3980 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1210 mm | 1230 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2300 mm | 2270 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 50 L |
