1998 AC Cobra vs. 2012 Aston Martin Rapide
To start off, 2012 Aston Martin Rapide is newer by 14 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 AC Cobra. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 AC Cobra would be higher. At 5,900 cc (12 cylinders), 2012 Aston Martin Rapide is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Aston Martin Rapide (470 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 105 more horse power than 1998 AC Cobra. (365 HP @ 5750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Aston Martin Rapide should accelerate faster than 1998 AC Cobra. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Aston Martin Rapide weights approximately 964 kg more than 1998 AC Cobra. 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, 2012 Aston Martin Rapide (600 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 21 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 AC Cobra. (579 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2012 Aston Martin Rapide will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 AC Cobra. 2012 Aston Martin Rapide has automatic transmission and 1998 AC Cobra has manual transmission. 1998 AC Cobra will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 Aston Martin Rapide will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 AC Cobra | 2012 Aston Martin Rapide | |
| Make | AC | Aston Martin |
| Model | Cobra | Rapide |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4942 cc | 5900 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 365 HP | 470 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 579 Nm | 600 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1026 kg | 1990 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4210 mm | 5019 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1928 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1210 mm | 1280 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2300 mm | 2990 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 90 L | 90 L |
