1961 AC Cobra vs. 1975 Lancia Beta
To start off, 1975 Lancia Beta is newer by 14 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1961 AC Cobra. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1961 AC Cobra would be higher. At 4,265 cc (8 cylinders), 1961 AC Cobra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1961 AC Cobra (256 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 141 more horse power than 1975 Lancia Beta. (115 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1961 AC Cobra should accelerate faster than 1975 Lancia Beta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1975 Lancia Beta weights approximately 80 kg more than 1961 AC Cobra.
Because 1961 AC Cobra 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 Cobra. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1975 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 Cobra (365 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 189 more torque (in Nm) than 1975 Lancia Beta. (176 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 1961 AC Cobra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1975 Lancia Beta.
Compare all specifications:
| 1961 AC Cobra | 1975 Lancia Beta | |
| Make | AC | Lancia |
| Model | Cobra | Beta |
| Year Released | 1961 | 1975 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4265 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 256 HP | 115 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 365 Nm | 176 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 8.9:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 980 kg | 1060 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3850 mm | 4290 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1560 mm | 1660 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1250 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2290 mm | 2550 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 68 L | 51 L |
