1961 AC Ace vs. 2012 Ford Taurus
To start off, 2012 Ford Taurus is newer by 51 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 3,500 cc (6 cylinders), 2012 Ford Taurus is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Ford Taurus (263 HP @ 6250 RPM) has 163 more horse power than 1961 AC Ace. (100 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Ford Taurus should accelerate faster than 1961 AC Ace. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Ford Taurus weights approximately 1008 kg more than 1961 AC Ace. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 2012 Ford Taurus, 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, 2012 Ford Taurus (337 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 157 more torque (in Nm) than 1961 AC Ace. (180 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2012 Ford Taurus will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1961 AC Ace. 2012 Ford Taurus 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. 2012 Ford Taurus will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1961 AC Ace | 2012 Ford Taurus | |
| Make | AC | Ford |
| Model | Ace | Taurus |
| Year Released | 1961 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2553 cc | 3500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 100 HP | 263 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6250 RPM |
| Torque | 180 Nm | 337 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 813 kg | 1821 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3860 mm | 5154 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1490 mm | 1935 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1250 mm | 1542 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2290 mm | 2868 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 54 L | 72 L |
