2005 AC Cobra vs. 2008 Alfa Romeo 159
To start off, 2008 Alfa Romeo 159 is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2005 AC Cobra. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2005 AC Cobra would be higher. At 3,506 cc (8 cylinders), 2005 AC Cobra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 AC Cobra (350 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 202 more horse power than 2008 Alfa Romeo 159. (148 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2005 AC Cobra should accelerate faster than 2008 Alfa Romeo 159. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Alfa Romeo 159 weights approximately 598 kg more than 2005 AC Cobra.
Because 2005 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 2005 AC Cobra. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 Alfa Romeo 159, 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, 2005 AC Cobra (400 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 80 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Alfa Romeo 159. (320 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2005 AC Cobra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Alfa Romeo 159.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 AC Cobra | 2008 Alfa Romeo 159 | |
| Make | AC | Alfa Romeo |
| Model | Cobra | 159 |
| Year Released | 2005 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3506 cc | 1910 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 350 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 400 Nm | 320 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 83 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 81 mm | 90.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.0:1 | 17.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1062 kg | 1660 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4210 mm | 4670 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1840 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1210 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2300 mm | 2710 mm |
