1953 AC Ace vs. 1954 DKW Coupe
To start off, 1954 DKW Coupe is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1953 AC Ace. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1953 AC Ace would be higher. At 1,991 cc (6 cylinders), 1953 AC Ace is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1953 AC Ace (85 HP @ 4500 RPM) has 51 more horse power than 1954 DKW Coupe. (34 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1953 AC Ace should accelerate faster than 1954 DKW Coupe. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1954 DKW Coupe weights approximately 117 kg more than 1953 AC Ace.
Because 1953 AC Ace 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 1953 AC Ace. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1954 DKW Coupe, 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, 1953 AC Ace (149 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 80 more torque (in Nm) than 1954 DKW Coupe. (69 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1953 AC Ace will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1954 DKW Coupe.
Compare all specifications:
| 1953 AC Ace | 1954 DKW Coupe | |
| Make | AC | DKW |
| Model | Ace | Coupe |
| Year Released | 1953 | 1954 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1991 cc | 903 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 3 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 85 HP | 34 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 149 Nm | 69 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 65 mm | 71.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 100 mm | 76 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 7.5:1 | 6.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 762 kg | 879 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3850 mm | 3970 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1520 mm | 1610 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1250 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2290 mm | 2340 mm |
