2003 AC Cobra vs. 1998 Panoz AIV
To start off, 2003 AC Cobra is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Panoz AIV. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Panoz AIV would be higher. At 4,601 cc (8 cylinders), 1998 Panoz AIV is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 AC Cobra (350 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 49 more horse power than 1998 Panoz AIV. (301 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 AC Cobra should accelerate faster than 1998 Panoz AIV. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Panoz AIV weights approximately 118 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, 1998 Panoz AIV (407 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 7 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 AC Cobra. (400 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1998 Panoz AIV will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 AC Cobra.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 AC Cobra | 1998 Panoz AIV | |
| Make | AC | Panoz |
| Model | Cobra | AIV |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Roadster |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3506 cc | 4601 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 350 HP | 301 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 400 Nm | 407 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 83 mm | 90.3 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 81 mm | 90.2 mm |
| 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 | 1180 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4210 mm | 4050 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1950 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1210 mm | 1200 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2300 mm | 2650 mm |
