2003 AC Cobra vs. 2013 Mercedes-Benz CLS
To start off, 2013 Mercedes-Benz CLS is newer by 10 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 5,500 cc (8 cylinders), 2013 Mercedes-Benz CLS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2013 Mercedes-Benz CLS (511 HP @ 5250 RPM) has 161 more horse power than 2003 AC Cobra. (350 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2013 Mercedes-Benz CLS should accelerate faster than 2003 AC Cobra. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2013 Mercedes-Benz CLS weights approximately 808 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, 2013 Mercedes-Benz CLS (700 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 300 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 AC Cobra. (400 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2013 Mercedes-Benz CLS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 AC Cobra.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 AC Cobra | 2013 Mercedes-Benz CLS | |
| Make | AC | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Cobra | CLS |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2013 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3506 cc | 5500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | W |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 350 HP | 511 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Torque | 400 Nm | 700 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 83 mm | 98 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 81 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | CVT |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1062 kg | 1870 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4210 mm | 4996 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 2075 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1210 mm | 1406 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2300 mm | 2874 mm |
