1961 AC Ace vs. 1984 BMW 316
To start off, 1984 BMW 316 is newer by 23 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 12 more horse power than 1984 BMW 316. (88 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1961 AC Ace should accelerate faster than 1984 BMW 316. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1984 BMW 316 weights approximately 177 kg more than 1961 AC Ace.
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, 1961 AC Ace (180 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 40 more torque (in Nm) than 1984 BMW 316. (140 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1961 AC Ace will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1984 BMW 316. 1984 BMW 316 has automatic transmission and 1961 AC Ace has manual transmission. 1961 AC Ace will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1984 BMW 316 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1961 AC Ace | 1984 BMW 316 | |
| Make | AC | BMW |
| Model | Ace | 316 |
| Year Released | 1961 | 1984 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2553 cc | 1767 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 100 HP | 88 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 180 Nm | 140 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.6 mm | 89 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79.5 mm | 71 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 7.8:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 813 kg | 990 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3860 mm | 4330 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1490 mm | 1650 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1250 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2290 mm | 2580 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 54 L | 55 L |
