[REAL 1]

40 years.

But both have historical provenance in its creator, SAI/CS. The history is different with the originals being more storied for sure. However, significantly part of the Continuation series provenance is in fact the originals themselves and the history of the its forefathers, the originals. The two generations are clearly related but separated by 40 years. The originals were there and responsible for making the Cobra a legend. This is what no doubt makes them special. However, the Continuation series continues the Cobra and helps preserve the legend by being here and in the public view and giving others today a chance of owning part of the legend by owning a genuine Cobra, while not original, a genuine Cobra nonetheless.

The Continuation series detractors, usually those who don't have one, tend to slant the picture to their liking.