1997 AC Cobra vs. 1978 Toyota Starlet
To start off, 1997 AC Cobra is newer by 19 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Toyota Starlet. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Toyota Starlet would be higher. At 4,942 cc (8 cylinders), 1997 AC Cobra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 AC Cobra (365 HP @ 5750 RPM) has 310 more horse power than 1978 Toyota Starlet. (55 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 AC Cobra should accelerate faster than 1978 Toyota Starlet. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 AC Cobra weights approximately 251 kg more than 1978 Toyota Starlet. 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, 1997 AC Cobra (579 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 495 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Toyota Starlet. (84 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 1997 AC Cobra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Toyota Starlet.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 AC Cobra | 1978 Toyota Starlet | |
| Make | AC | Toyota |
| Model | Cobra | Starlet |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1978 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4942 cc | 1166 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 365 HP | 55 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 579 Nm | 84 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1026 kg | 775 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4210 mm | 3690 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1530 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1210 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2300 mm | 2310 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 90 L | 70 L |
