1996 AC Cobra vs. 1955 Austin-Healey 100
To start off, 1996 AC Cobra is newer by 41 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1955 Austin-Healey 100. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1955 Austin-Healey 100 would be higher. At 4,942 cc (8 cylinders), 1996 AC Cobra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 AC Cobra (365 HP @ 5750 RPM) has 276 more horse power than 1955 Austin-Healey 100. (89 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 AC Cobra should accelerate faster than 1955 Austin-Healey 100. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 AC Cobra weights approximately 81 kg more than 1955 Austin-Healey 100. 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, 1996 AC Cobra (579 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 435 more torque (in Nm) than 1955 Austin-Healey 100. (144 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1996 AC Cobra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1955 Austin-Healey 100.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 AC Cobra | 1955 Austin-Healey 100 | |
| Make | AC | Austin-Healey |
| Model | Cobra | 100 |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1955 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4942 cc | 2660 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 365 HP | 89 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 579 Nm | 144 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 2500 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 | 1026 kg | 945 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4210 mm | 3860 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1540 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1210 mm | 1250 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2300 mm | 2290 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 90 L | 109 L |
