2003 AC Cobra vs. 2001 Mazda 323
To start off, 2003 AC Cobra is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2001 Mazda 323. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2001 Mazda 323 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 226 more horse power than 2001 Mazda 323. (124 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 AC Cobra should accelerate faster than 2001 Mazda 323. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Mazda 323 weights approximately 158 kg more than 2003 AC Cobra.
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, 2001 Mazda 323, 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 233 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 Mazda 323. (167 Nm @ 4400 RPM). This means 2003 AC Cobra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 Mazda 323.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 AC Cobra | 2001 Mazda 323 | |
| Make | AC | Mazda |
| Model | Cobra | 323 |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2001 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3506 cc | 1996 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 350 HP | 124 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 400 Nm | 167 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 83 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 81 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1062 kg | 1220 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4210 mm | 4400 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1210 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2300 mm | 2650 mm |
