1996 AC Cobra vs. 2012 Mercedes-Benz C
To start off, 2012 Mercedes-Benz C is newer by 16 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 164 more horse power than 2012 Mercedes-Benz C. (201 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 AC Cobra should accelerate faster than 2012 Mercedes-Benz C.
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 269 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Mercedes-Benz C. (310 Nm @ 2200 RPM). This means 1996 AC Cobra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Mercedes-Benz C. 2012 Mercedes-Benz C 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. 2012 Mercedes-Benz C will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 AC Cobra | 2012 Mercedes-Benz C | |
| Make | AC | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Cobra | C |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4942 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 365 HP | 201 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 579 Nm | 310 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 2200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 7-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4210 mm | 4606 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1210 mm | 1459 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2300 mm | 2760 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 90 L | 66 L |
