1997 Caterham C21 vs. 1965 AC Cobra
To start off, 1997 Caterham C21 is newer by 32 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1965 AC Cobra. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1965 AC Cobra would be higher. At 4,737 cc (8 cylinders), 1965 AC Cobra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1965 AC Cobra (267 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 152 more horse power than 1997 Caterham C21. (115 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1965 AC Cobra should accelerate faster than 1997 Caterham C21. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1965 AC Cobra weights approximately 360 kg more than 1997 Caterham C21. 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, 1965 AC Cobra (426 Nm @ 3400 RPM) has 281 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Caterham C21. (145 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1965 AC Cobra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Caterham C21.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Caterham C21 | 1965 AC Cobra | |
| Make | Caterham | AC |
| Model | C21 | Cobra |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1965 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1587 cc | 4737 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 115 HP | 267 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 145 Nm | 426 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 101.7 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79 mm | 72.9 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 650 kg | 1010 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3810 mm | 3850 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1590 mm | 1560 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1060 mm | 1250 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 2290 mm |
