1997 AC Cobra vs. 1979 Saab 900
To start off, 1997 AC Cobra is newer by 18 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Saab 900. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Saab 900 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 222 more horse power than 1979 Saab 900. (143 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 AC Cobra should accelerate faster than 1979 Saab 900. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Saab 900 weights approximately 224 kg more than 1997 AC Cobra.
Because 1997 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 1997 AC Cobra. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1979 Saab 900, 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, 1997 AC Cobra (579 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 343 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Saab 900. (236 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1997 AC Cobra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Saab 900.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 AC Cobra | 1979 Saab 900 | |
| Make | AC | Saab |
| Model | Cobra | 900 |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4942 cc | 1985 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 365 HP | 143 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 579 Nm | 236 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1026 kg | 1250 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4210 mm | 4750 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1210 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2300 mm | 2530 mm |
