1997 AC Cobra vs. 1998 Lotus Elise
To start off, 1998 Lotus Elise is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 AC Cobra. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 AC Cobra 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 178 more horse power than 1998 Lotus Elise. (187 HP @ 7000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 AC Cobra should accelerate faster than 1998 Lotus Elise. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 AC Cobra weights approximately 312 kg more than 1998 Lotus Elise. 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 386 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Lotus Elise. (193 Nm @ 5600 RPM). This means 1997 AC Cobra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Lotus Elise.
Compare all specifications:
1997 AC Cobra | 1998 Lotus Elise | |
Make | AC | Lotus |
Model | Cobra | Elise |
Year Released | 1997 | 1998 |
Body Type | Roadster | Roadster |
Engine Position | Front | Middle |
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 | 187 HP |
Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 7000 RPM |
Torque | 579 Nm | 193 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 5600 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
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 | 714 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4210 mm | 3740 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1710 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1210 mm | 1210 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2300 mm | 2310 mm |