2003 AC Cobra vs. 1988 Lotus Esprit
To start off, 2003 AC Cobra is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 Lotus Esprit. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 Lotus Esprit 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 135 more horse power than 1988 Lotus Esprit. (215 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 AC Cobra should accelerate faster than 1988 Lotus Esprit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Lotus Esprit weights approximately 126 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 102 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Lotus Esprit. (298 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 2003 AC Cobra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Lotus Esprit.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 AC Cobra | 1988 Lotus Esprit | |
| Make | AC | Lotus |
| Model | Cobra | Esprit |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1988 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 3506 cc | 2174 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 350 HP | 215 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 400 Nm | 298 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 83 mm | 95.3 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 81 mm | 76.2 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.0:1 | 8.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1062 kg | 1188 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4210 mm | 4350 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1210 mm | 1160 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2300 mm | 2440 mm |
