1999 AC Cobra vs. 2012 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2012 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1999 AC Cobra. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1999 AC Cobra would be higher. At 5,500 cc (8 cylinders), 2012 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Mercedes-Benz SL (382 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 17 more horse power than 1999 AC Cobra. (365 HP @ 5750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1999 AC Cobra. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 880 kg more than 1999 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, 1999 AC Cobra (579 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 49 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Mercedes-Benz SL. (530 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 1999 AC Cobra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Mercedes-Benz SL. 2012 Mercedes-Benz SL has automatic transmission and 1999 AC Cobra has manual transmission. 1999 AC Cobra will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 Mercedes-Benz SL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1999 AC Cobra | 2012 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | AC | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Cobra | SL |
| Year Released | 1999 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4942 cc | 5500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 365 HP | 382 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 579 Nm | 530 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 7-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1025 kg | 1905 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4210 mm | 4582 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1210 mm | 1298 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2300 mm | 2560 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 90 L | 80 L |
