2003 AC Cobra vs. 2005 Alfa Romeo 159
To start off, 2005 Alfa Romeo 159 is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 AC Cobra. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 AC Cobra 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 192 more horse power than 2005 Alfa Romeo 159. (158 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 AC Cobra should accelerate faster than 2005 Alfa Romeo 159. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Alfa Romeo 159 weights approximately 418 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, 2005 Alfa Romeo 159, 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 210 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Alfa Romeo 159. (190 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2003 AC Cobra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Alfa Romeo 159.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 AC Cobra | 2005 Alfa Romeo 159 | |
| Make | AC | Alfa Romeo |
| Model | Cobra | 159 |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3506 cc | 1859 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 350 HP | 158 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 400 Nm | 190 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 83 mm | 86.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 81 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.0:1 | 11.3:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1062 kg | 1480 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4210 mm | 4670 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1210 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2300 mm | 2600 mm |
