1996 AC Cobra vs. 2002 Chevrolet Prizm
To start off, 2002 Chevrolet Prizm is newer by 6 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 @ 5750 RPM) has 242 more horse power than 2002 Chevrolet Prizm. (123 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 AC Cobra should accelerate faster than 2002 Chevrolet Prizm. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Chevrolet Prizm weights approximately 64 kg more than 1996 AC Cobra.
Because 1996 AC Cobra is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1996 AC Cobra. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2002 Chevrolet Prizm, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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 410 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Chevrolet Prizm. (169 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1996 AC Cobra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Chevrolet Prizm. 2002 Chevrolet Prizm has automatic transmission and 1996 AC Cobra has manual transmission. 1996 AC Cobra will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2002 Chevrolet Prizm will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 AC Cobra | 2002 Chevrolet Prizm | |
| Make | AC | Chevrolet |
| Model | Cobra | Prizm |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2002 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4942 cc | 1794 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 365 HP | 123 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 579 Nm | 169 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1026 kg | 1090 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4210 mm | 4430 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1210 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2300 mm | 2470 mm |
