2005 AC Cobra vs. 1974 Lotus Elite
To start off, 2005 AC Cobra is newer by 31 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Lotus Elite. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Lotus Elite would be higher. At 3,506 cc (8 cylinders), 2005 AC Cobra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 AC Cobra (350 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 208 more horse power than 1974 Lotus Elite. (142 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2005 AC Cobra should accelerate faster than 1974 Lotus Elite. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 AC Cobra weights approximately 2 kg more than 1974 Lotus Elite. 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, 2005 AC Cobra (400 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 223 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Lotus Elite. (177 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2005 AC Cobra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Lotus Elite.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 AC Cobra | 1974 Lotus Elite | |
| Make | AC | Lotus |
| Model | Cobra | Elite |
| Year Released | 2005 | 1974 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3506 cc | 1973 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 350 HP | 142 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 400 Nm | 177 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 83 mm | 95.2 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 81 mm | 69.3 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.0:1 | 8.4:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1062 kg | 1060 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4210 mm | 4470 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1210 mm | 1220 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2300 mm | 2490 mm |
