1996 AC Cobra vs. 1971 Austin 3
To start off, 1996 AC Cobra is newer by 25 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Austin 3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Austin 3 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 242 more horse power than 1971 Austin 3. (123 HP @ 4500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 AC Cobra should accelerate faster than 1971 Austin 3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1971 Austin 3 weights approximately 464 kg more than 1996 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, 1996 AC Cobra (579 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 361 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 Austin 3. (218 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1996 AC Cobra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 Austin 3.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 AC Cobra | 1971 Austin 3 | |
| Make | AC | Austin |
| Model | Cobra | 3 |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1971 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4942 cc | 2910 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 365 HP | 123 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Torque | 579 Nm | 218 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1026 kg | 1490 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4210 mm | 4720 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1210 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2300 mm | 2940 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 90 L | 65 L |
