2001 AC Cobra vs. 2003 Chevrolet Malibu
To start off, 2003 Chevrolet Malibu is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2001 AC Cobra. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2001 AC Cobra 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 150 more horse power than 2003 Chevrolet Malibu. (200 HP @ 5400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2001 AC Cobra should accelerate faster than 2003 Chevrolet Malibu. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Chevrolet Malibu weights approximately 444 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, 2003 Chevrolet Malibu, 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 101 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Chevrolet Malibu. (299 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 2001 AC Cobra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Chevrolet Malibu. 2003 Chevrolet Malibu has automatic transmission and 2001 AC Cobra has manual transmission. 2001 AC Cobra will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2003 Chevrolet Malibu will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 AC Cobra | 2003 Chevrolet Malibu | |
| Make | AC | Chevrolet |
| Model | Cobra | Malibu |
| Year Released | 2001 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3506 cc | 3501 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 350 HP | 200 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 400 Nm | 299 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 83 mm | 94 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 81 mm | 84.1 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1060 kg | 1504 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4210 mm | 4790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1210 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2300 mm | 2810 mm |
