2003 AC Cobra vs. 1976 Mercedes-Benz 280
To start off, 2003 AC Cobra is newer by 27 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1976 Mercedes-Benz 280. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1976 Mercedes-Benz 280 would be higher. At 3,506 cc (8 cylinders), 2003 AC Cobra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 AC Cobra (350 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 175 more horse power than 1976 Mercedes-Benz 280. (175 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 AC Cobra should accelerate faster than 1976 Mercedes-Benz 280. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1976 Mercedes-Benz 280 weights approximately 402 kg more than 2003 AC Cobra.
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, 2003 AC Cobra (400 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 167 more torque (in Nm) than 1976 Mercedes-Benz 280. (233 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2003 AC Cobra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1976 Mercedes-Benz 280.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 AC Cobra | 1976 Mercedes-Benz 280 | |
| Make | AC | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Cobra | 280 |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1976 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3506 cc | 2746 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 350 HP | 175 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 400 Nm | 233 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 83 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 81 mm | 78.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.0:1 | 8.7:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1062 kg | 1464 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4210 mm | 4730 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1210 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2300 mm | 2800 mm |
