2003 AC Cobra vs. 2011 Mercedes-Benz SLK
To start off, 2011 Mercedes-Benz SLK 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 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 168 more horse power than 2011 Mercedes-Benz SLK. (182 HP @ 5250 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 AC Cobra should accelerate faster than 2011 Mercedes-Benz SLK. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Mercedes-Benz SLK weights approximately 373 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 150 more torque (in Nm) than 2011 Mercedes-Benz SLK. (250 Nm @ 1800 RPM). This means 2003 AC Cobra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2011 Mercedes-Benz SLK. 2011 Mercedes-Benz SLK 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 SLK will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 AC Cobra | 2011 Mercedes-Benz SLK | |
| Make | AC | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Cobra | SLK |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3506 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 350 HP | 182 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Torque | 400 Nm | 250 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 7-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1062 kg | 1435 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4210 mm | 4135 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1816 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1210 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2300 mm | 2431 mm |
