1985 AC Cobra vs. 2012 Ford Mustang
To start off, 2012 Ford Mustang is newer by 27 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 15 more horse power than 2012 Ford Mustang. (305 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1985 AC Cobra should accelerate faster than 2012 Ford Mustang. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Ford Mustang weights approximately 391 kg more 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, 1985 AC Cobra (522 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 143 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Ford Mustang. (379 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 1985 AC Cobra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Ford Mustang.
Compare all specifications:
| 1985 AC Cobra | 2012 Ford Mustang | |
| Make | AC | Ford |
| Model | Cobra | Mustang |
| Year Released | 1985 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4942 cc | 3700 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 320 HP | 305 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 522 Nm | 379 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1175 kg | 1566 kg |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 61 L |
