1961 AC Ace vs. 1981 Lancia Beta
To start off, 1981 Lancia Beta is newer by 20 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1961 AC Ace. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1961 AC Ace would be higher. At 2,553 cc (6 cylinders), 1961 AC Ace is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1961 AC Ace (100 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 19 more horse power than 1981 Lancia Beta. (81 HP @ 6200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1961 AC Ace should accelerate faster than 1981 Lancia Beta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Lancia Beta weights approximately 187 kg more than 1961 AC Ace.
Because 1961 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 1961 AC Ace. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1981 Lancia Beta, 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, 1961 AC Ace (180 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 72 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Lancia Beta. (108 Nm @ 3300 RPM). This means 1961 AC Ace will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Lancia Beta.
Compare all specifications:
| 1961 AC Ace | 1981 Lancia Beta | |
| Make | AC | Lancia |
| Model | Ace | Beta |
| Year Released | 1961 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2553 cc | 1297 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 100 HP | 81 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 180 Nm | 108 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3300 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.6 mm | 70.8 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79.5 mm | 78.8 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 813 kg | 1000 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3860 mm | 4000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1490 mm | 1660 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1250 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2290 mm | 2360 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 54 L | 49 L |
