2003 AC Cobra vs. 2002 Lotus Elise
To start off, 2003 AC Cobra is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2002 Lotus Elise. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2002 Lotus Elise 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 194 more horse power than 2002 Lotus Elise. (156 HP @ 7000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 AC Cobra should accelerate faster than 2002 Lotus Elise. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 AC Cobra weights approximately 256 kg more than 2002 Lotus Elise. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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 220 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Lotus Elise. (180 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2003 AC Cobra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Lotus Elise.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 AC Cobra | 2002 Lotus Elise | |
| Make | AC | Lotus |
| Model | Cobra | Elise |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2002 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Roadster |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 3506 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 350 HP | 156 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 400 Nm | 180 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 83 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 81 mm | 89.3 mm |
| 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 | 806 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4210 mm | 3790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1210 mm | 1150 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2300 mm | 2310 mm |
