2003 AC Cobra vs. 1979 Mercedes-Benz 300
To start off, 2003 AC Cobra is newer by 24 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Mercedes-Benz 300. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Mercedes-Benz 300 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 263 more horse power than 1979 Mercedes-Benz 300. (87 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 AC Cobra should accelerate faster than 1979 Mercedes-Benz 300. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Mercedes-Benz 300 weights approximately 383 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 228 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Mercedes-Benz 300. (172 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2003 AC Cobra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Mercedes-Benz 300.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 AC Cobra | 1979 Mercedes-Benz 300 | |
| Make | AC | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Cobra | 300 |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3506 cc | 2997 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 350 HP | 87 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 400 Nm | 172 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 83 mm | 90.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 81 mm | 92.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.0:1 | 21.0:1 |
| 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 | 1445 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4210 mm | 4730 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1210 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2300 mm | 2800 mm |
