1979 Lancia Beta vs. 1971 AC 428
To start off, 1979 Lancia Beta is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 AC 428. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 AC 428 would be higher. At 7,003 cc (8 cylinders), 1971 AC 428 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1971 AC 428 (298 HP @ 4600 RPM) has 180 more horse power than 1979 Lancia Beta. (118 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1971 AC 428 should accelerate faster than 1979 Lancia Beta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1971 AC 428 weights approximately 390 kg more than 1979 Lancia Beta. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 1971 AC 428 (639 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 468 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Lancia Beta. (171 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 1971 AC 428 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Lancia Beta. 1971 AC 428 has automatic transmission and 1979 Lancia Beta has manual transmission. 1979 Lancia Beta will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1971 AC 428 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Lancia Beta | 1971 AC 428 | |
| Make | Lancia | AC |
| Model | Beta | 428 |
| Year Released | 1979 | 1971 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1994 cc | 7003 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 118 HP | 298 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Torque | 171 Nm | 639 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1040 kg | 1430 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3820 mm | 4430 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1200 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2360 mm | 2450 mm |
