2003 AC Cobra vs. 2011 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 2011 Mercedes-Benz S is newer by 8 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 6,000 cc (12 cylinders), 2011 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Mercedes-Benz S (621 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 271 more horse power than 2003 AC Cobra. (350 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 2003 AC Cobra. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 1234 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, 2011 Mercedes-Benz S (999 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 599 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 AC Cobra. (400 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2011 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 AC Cobra. 2011 Mercedes-Benz S 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. 2011 Mercedes-Benz S will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 AC Cobra | 2011 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | AC | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Cobra | S |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3506 cc | 6000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 350 HP | 621 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 400 Nm | 999 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1062 kg | 2296 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4210 mm | 5245 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1872 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1210 mm | 1473 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2300 mm | 3165 mm |
