2003 AC Cobra vs. 1981 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2003 AC Cobra is newer by 22 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Volkswagen Passat. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Volkswagen Passat 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 291 more horse power than 1981 Volkswagen Passat. (59 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 AC Cobra should accelerate faster than 1981 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 AC Cobra weights approximately 122 kg more than 1981 Volkswagen Passat. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2003 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 2003 AC Cobra. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1981 Volkswagen Passat, 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, 2003 AC Cobra (400 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 300 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Volkswagen Passat. (100 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2003 AC Cobra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Volkswagen Passat.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 AC Cobra | 1981 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | AC | Volkswagen |
| Model | Cobra | Passat |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3506 cc | 1296 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 350 HP | 59 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 400 Nm | 100 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 83 mm | 75 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 81 mm | 73.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.0:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1062 kg | 940 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4210 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1210 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2300 mm | 2560 mm |
