2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. 1965 AC Cobra
To start off, 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 39 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1965 AC Cobra. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1965 AC Cobra would be higher. At 4,737 cc (8 cylinders), 1965 AC Cobra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1965 AC Cobra (267 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 89 more horse power than 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (178 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1965 AC Cobra should accelerate faster than 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata weights approximately 137 kg more than 1965 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, 1965 AC Cobra (426 Nm) has 206 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (220 Nm). This means 1965 AC Cobra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata | 1965 AC Cobra | |
| Make | Mazda | AC |
| Model | MX-5 Miata | Cobra |
| Year Released | 2004 | 1965 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Roadster |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1835 cc | 4737 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 178 HP | 267 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 220 Nm | 426 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 83 mm | 101.7 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85 mm | 72.9 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1147 kg | 1010 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3960 mm | 3850 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1560 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1230 mm | 1250 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2270 mm | 2290 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 48 L | 68 L |
