2005 AC Cobra vs. 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata 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 184 more horse power than 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (166 HP @ 6700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2005 AC Cobra should accelerate faster than 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata weights approximately 267 kg more than 2005 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, 2005 AC Cobra (400 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 210 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (190 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2005 AC Cobra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 AC Cobra | 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | AC | Mazda |
| Model | Cobra | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 2005 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3506 cc | 1999 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 350 HP | 166 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 6700 RPM |
| Torque | 400 Nm | 190 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1062 kg | 1329 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4210 mm | 4000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1210 mm | 1250 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2300 mm | 2340 mm |
