2003 AC Cobra vs. 2011 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2011 Volkswagen Passat 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 212 more horse power than 2011 Volkswagen Passat. (138 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 AC Cobra should accelerate faster than 2011 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 185 kg more than 2003 AC Cobra.
Because 2003 AC Cobra is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 2003 AC Cobra. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2011 Volkswagen Passat, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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 80 more torque (in Nm) than 2011 Volkswagen Passat. (320 Nm @ 1750 RPM). This means 2003 AC Cobra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2011 Volkswagen Passat. 2011 Volkswagen Passat 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 Volkswagen Passat will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 AC Cobra | 2011 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | AC | Volkswagen |
| Model | Cobra | Passat |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3506 cc | 1968 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 350 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 400 Nm | 320 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.0:1 | 18.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1062 kg | 1247 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4210 mm | 4770 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1210 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2300 mm | 2720 mm |
