1985 AC Cobra vs. 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 23 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 5,461 cc (8 cylinders), 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL (382 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 159 more horse power than 1985 AC Cobra. (223 HP @ 4200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL 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, 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL (530 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 123 more torque (in Nm) than 1985 AC Cobra. (407 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1985 AC Cobra. 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL has automatic transmission and 1985 AC Cobra has manual transmission. 1985 AC Cobra will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1985 AC Cobra | 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | AC | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Cobra | SL |
| Year Released | 1985 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4942 cc | 5461 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 223 HP | 382 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4200 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 407 Nm | 530 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4210 mm | 4540 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1210 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2300 mm | 2570 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 90 L | 80 L |
