2001 AC Cobra vs. 1996 Ford Contour
To start off, 2001 AC Cobra is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Ford Contour. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Ford Contour would be higher. At 3,506 cc (8 cylinders), 2001 AC Cobra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 AC Cobra (350 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 221 more horse power than 1996 Ford Contour. (129 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2001 AC Cobra should accelerate faster than 1996 Ford Contour. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Ford Contour weights approximately 182 kg more than 2001 AC Cobra.
Because 2001 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 2001 AC Cobra. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1996 Ford Contour, 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, 2001 AC Cobra (400 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 220 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Ford Contour. (180 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2001 AC Cobra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Ford Contour.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 AC Cobra | 1996 Ford Contour | |
| Make | AC | Ford |
| Model | Cobra | Contour |
| Year Released | 2001 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3506 cc | 1989 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 350 HP | 129 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 400 Nm | 180 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 83 mm | 84.8 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 81 mm | 88 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1060 kg | 1242 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4210 mm | 4680 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1210 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2300 mm | 2710 mm |
