1961 AC Ace vs. 1986 Peugeot 309
To start off, 1986 Peugeot 309 is newer by 25 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 30 more horse power than 1986 Peugeot 309. (70 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1961 AC Ace should accelerate faster than 1986 Peugeot 309. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1986 Peugeot 309 weights approximately 37 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, 1986 Peugeot 309, 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 67 more torque (in Nm) than 1986 Peugeot 309. (113 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 1961 AC Ace will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1986 Peugeot 309.
Compare all specifications:
| 1961 AC Ace | 1986 Peugeot 309 | |
| Make | AC | Peugeot |
| Model | Ace | 309 |
| Year Released | 1961 | 1986 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2553 cc | 1360 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 100 HP | 70 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 180 Nm | 113 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.6 mm | 75 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79.5 mm | 77 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 813 kg | 850 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3860 mm | 4060 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1490 mm | 1640 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1250 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2290 mm | 2480 mm |
