2003 AC Cobra vs. 2010 Lotus Elise
To start off, 2010 Lotus Elise is newer by 7 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, 2010 Lotus Elise (405 HP @ 7100 RPM) has 55 more horse power than 2003 AC Cobra. (350 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2010 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 2003 AC Cobra. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2010 Lotus Elise weights approximately 819 kg more than 2003 AC Cobra. 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, 2010 Lotus Elise (459 Nm @ 4750 RPM) has 59 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 AC Cobra. (400 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2010 Lotus Elise will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 AC Cobra. 2010 Lotus Elise 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. 2010 Lotus Elise will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 AC Cobra | 2010 Lotus Elise | |
| Make | AC | Lotus |
| Model | Cobra | Elise |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2010 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Roadster |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3506 cc | 1800 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 350 HP | 405 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 7100 RPM |
| Torque | 400 Nm | 459 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| 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 | 1881 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4210 mm | 4882 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1915 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1210 mm | 1354 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2300 mm | 2941 mm |
