2003 AC Cobra vs. 1971 Ford Mustang
To start off, 2003 AC Cobra is newer by 32 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Ford Mustang. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Ford Mustang would be higher. At 5,752 cc (8 cylinders), 1971 Ford Mustang is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 AC Cobra (350 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 20 more horse power than 1971 Ford Mustang. (330 HP @ 5400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 AC Cobra should accelerate faster than 1971 Ford Mustang. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1971 Ford Mustang weights approximately 553 kg more than 2003 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, 1971 Ford Mustang (503 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 103 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 AC Cobra. (400 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1971 Ford Mustang will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 AC Cobra.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 AC Cobra | 1971 Ford Mustang | |
| Make | AC | Ford |
| Model | Cobra | Mustang |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1971 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3506 cc | 5752 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 350 HP | 330 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 400 Nm | 503 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 83 mm | 101.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 81 mm | 88.9 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1062 kg | 1615 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4210 mm | 4820 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1890 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1210 mm | 1280 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2300 mm | 2780 mm |
