2003 AC Cobra vs. 1996 Toyota MR2
To start off, 2003 AC Cobra is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Toyota MR2. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Toyota MR2 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 177 more horse power than 1996 Toyota MR2. (173 HP @ 7000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 AC Cobra should accelerate faster than 1996 Toyota MR2. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Toyota MR2 weights approximately 173 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 214 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Toyota MR2. (186 Nm @ 4800 RPM). This means 2003 AC Cobra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Toyota MR2.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 AC Cobra | 1996 Toyota MR2 | |
| Make | AC | Toyota |
| Model | Cobra | MR2 |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 3506 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 350 HP | 173 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 400 Nm | 186 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 83 mm | 86.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 81 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.0:1 | 10.4:1 |
| 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 | 1235 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4210 mm | 4190 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1210 mm | 1250 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2300 mm | 2410 mm |
