1998 AC Cobra vs. 2012 Jaguar XJ
To start off, 2012 Jaguar XJ 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 4,942 cc (8 cylinders), 1998 AC Cobra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 AC Cobra (365 HP @ 5750 RPM) has 94 more horse power than 2012 Jaguar XJ. (271 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 AC Cobra should accelerate faster than 2012 Jaguar XJ. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Jaguar XJ weights approximately 770 kg more than 1998 AC Cobra.
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 Jaguar XJ (600 Nm) has 21 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 AC Cobra. (579 Nm). This means 2012 Jaguar XJ will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 AC Cobra. 2012 Jaguar XJ 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 Jaguar XJ will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 AC Cobra | 2012 Jaguar XJ | |
| Make | AC | Jaguar |
| Model | Cobra | XJ |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4942 cc | 3000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 365 HP | 271 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 579 Nm | 600 Nm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1026 kg | 1796 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4210 mm | 5127 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1895 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1210 mm | 1456 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2300 mm | 3157 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 90 L | 82 L |
