2001 AC Cobra vs. 2008 Mazda 3
To start off, 2008 Mazda 3 is newer by 7 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 201 more horse power than 2008 Mazda 3. (149 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2001 AC Cobra should accelerate faster than 2008 Mazda 3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Mazda 3 weights approximately 175 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, 2008 Mazda 3, 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 213 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Mazda 3. (187 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2001 AC Cobra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Mazda 3.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 AC Cobra | 2008 Mazda 3 | |
| Make | AC | Mazda |
| Model | Cobra | 3 |
| Year Released | 2001 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3506 cc | 1999 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 350 HP | 149 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 400 Nm | 187 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 83 mm | 87.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 81 mm | 83.1 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.0:1 | 11.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1060 kg | 1235 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4210 mm | 4500 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1210 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2300 mm | 2650 mm |
