2003 AC Cobra vs. 2009 Mazda RX-8
To start off, 2009 Mazda RX-8 is newer by 6 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 161 more horse power than 2009 Mazda RX-8. (189 HP @ 7000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 AC Cobra should accelerate faster than 2009 Mazda RX-8. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Mazda RX-8 weights approximately 358 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, 2003 AC Cobra (400 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 180 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Mazda RX-8. (220 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2003 AC Cobra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Mazda RX-8.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 AC Cobra | 2009 Mazda RX-8 | |
| Make | AC | Mazda |
| Model | Cobra | RX-8 |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3506 cc | 1308 cc |
| Engine Type | V | dual-disk rotary |
| Horse Power | 350 HP | 189 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 400 Nm | 220 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 83 mm | 78.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 81 mm | 83.6 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1062 kg | 1420 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4210 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1210 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2300 mm | 2710 mm |
