2003 AC Cobra vs. 2005 Lotus Exige
To start off, 2005 Lotus Exige 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 107 more horse power than 2005 Lotus Exige. (243 HP @ 7800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 AC Cobra should accelerate faster than 2005 Lotus Exige. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 AC Cobra weights approximately 132 kg more than 2005 Lotus Exige. 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 164 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Lotus Exige. (236 Nm @ 7000 RPM). This means 2003 AC Cobra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Lotus Exige.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 AC Cobra | 2005 Lotus Exige | |
| Make | AC | Lotus |
| Model | Cobra | Exige |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Coupe |
| 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 | 243 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 7800 RPM |
| Torque | 400 Nm | 236 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 83 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 81 mm | 85 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 | 930 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4210 mm | 3800 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1210 mm | 1160 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2300 mm | 2310 mm |
