1985 AC Cobra vs. 2012 Jaguar XJ
To start off, 2012 Jaguar XJ 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, 2012 Jaguar XJ (271 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 48 more horse power than 1985 AC Cobra. (223 HP @ 4200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Jaguar XJ should accelerate faster than 1985 AC Cobra. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Jaguar XJ weights approximately 733 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, 2012 Jaguar XJ (600 Nm) has 193 more torque (in Nm) than 1985 AC Cobra. (407 Nm). This means 2012 Jaguar XJ will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1985 AC Cobra. 2012 Jaguar XJ 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. 2012 Jaguar XJ will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1985 AC Cobra | 2012 Jaguar XJ | |
| Make | AC | Jaguar |
| Model | Cobra | XJ |
| Year Released | 1985 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4942 cc | 3000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 223 HP | 271 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4200 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 407 Nm | 600 Nm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1080 kg | 1813 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4210 mm | 5252 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1895 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1210 mm | 1456 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2300 mm | 3157 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 90 L | 82 L |
