1996 AC Cobra vs. 1999 Lotus Esprit
To start off, 1999 Lotus Esprit is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 AC Cobra. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 AC Cobra 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) has 16 more horse power than 1999 Lotus Esprit. (349 HP). In normal driving conditions, 1996 AC Cobra should accelerate faster than 1999 Lotus Esprit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 AC Cobra weights approximately 351 kg more than 1999 Lotus Esprit. 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) has 228 more torque (in Nm) than 1999 Lotus Esprit. (351 Nm). This means 1996 AC Cobra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1999 Lotus Esprit.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 AC Cobra | 1999 Lotus Esprit | |
| Make | AC | Lotus |
| Model | Cobra | Esprit |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1999 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 4942 cc | 3506 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 365 HP | 349 HP |
| Torque | 579 Nm | 351 Nm |
| 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 | 675 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4210 mm | 4430 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1990 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1210 mm | 1150 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2300 mm | 2310 mm |
