2001 AC Cobra vs. 2009 Mercedes-Benz A
To start off, 2009 Mercedes-Benz A is newer by 8 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 269 more horse power than 2009 Mercedes-Benz A. (81 HP @ 4200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2001 AC Cobra should accelerate faster than 2009 Mercedes-Benz A. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Mercedes-Benz A weights approximately 266 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, 2009 Mercedes-Benz A, 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 220 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Mercedes-Benz A. (180 Nm @ 1400 RPM). This means 2001 AC Cobra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Mercedes-Benz A.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 AC Cobra | 2009 Mercedes-Benz A | |
| Make | AC | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Cobra | A |
| Year Released | 2001 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3506 cc | 1991 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 350 HP | 81 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 400 Nm | 180 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 1400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 83 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 81 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.0:1 | 18.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1060 kg | 1326 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4210 mm | 3840 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1210 mm | 1600 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2300 mm | 2570 mm |
