1998 AC Cobra vs. 2012 Kia Forte
To start off, 2012 Kia Forte 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 209 more horse power than 2012 Kia Forte. (156 HP @ 6200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 AC Cobra should accelerate faster than 2012 Kia Forte. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Kia Forte weights approximately 215 kg more than 1998 AC Cobra.
Because 1998 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 1998 AC Cobra. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 Kia Forte, 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, 1998 AC Cobra (579 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 384 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Kia Forte. (195 Nm @ 4300 RPM). This means 1998 AC Cobra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Kia Forte. 2012 Kia Forte 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 Kia Forte will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 AC Cobra | 2012 Kia Forte | |
| Make | AC | Kia |
| Model | Cobra | Forte |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4942 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 365 HP | 156 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 579 Nm | 195 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 4300 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1026 kg | 1241 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4210 mm | 4481 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1765 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1210 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2300 mm | 2649 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 90 L | 52 L |
