2003 AC Cobra vs. 2005 Cadillac XLR
To start off, 2005 Cadillac XLR 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 4,572 cc (8 cylinders), 2005 Cadillac XLR is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 AC Cobra (350 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 49 more horse power than 2005 Cadillac XLR. (301 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 AC Cobra should accelerate faster than 2005 Cadillac XLR. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Cadillac XLR weights approximately 592 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, 2005 Cadillac XLR (420 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 20 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 AC Cobra. (400 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2005 Cadillac XLR will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 AC Cobra. 2005 Cadillac XLR has automatic transmission and 2003 AC Cobra has manual transmission. 2003 AC Cobra will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2005 Cadillac XLR will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 AC Cobra | 2005 Cadillac XLR | |
| Make | AC | Cadillac |
| Model | Cobra | XLR |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3506 cc | 4572 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 | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 400 Nm | 420 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 83 mm | 93.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 81 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.0:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1062 kg | 1654 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4210 mm | 4520 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1840 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1210 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2300 mm | 2690 mm |
