1985 AC Cobra vs. 1979 Lancia Beta
To start off, 1985 AC Cobra is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Lancia Beta. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Lancia Beta would be higher. At 4,942 cc (8 cylinders), 1985 AC Cobra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1985 AC Cobra (223 HP @ 4200 RPM) has 123 more horse power than 1979 Lancia Beta. (100 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1985 AC Cobra should accelerate faster than 1979 Lancia Beta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1985 AC Cobra weights approximately 44 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.
Because 1985 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 1985 AC Cobra. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1979 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, 1985 AC Cobra (407 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 273 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Lancia Beta. (134 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1985 AC Cobra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Lancia Beta. 1979 Lancia Beta has automatic transmission and 1985 AC Cobra has manual transmission. 1985 AC Cobra will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1979 Lancia Beta will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1985 AC Cobra | 1979 Lancia Beta | |
| Make | AC | Lancia |
| Model | Cobra | Beta |
| Year Released | 1985 | 1979 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4942 cc | 1584 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 223 HP | 100 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4200 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 407 Nm | 134 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1080 kg | 1036 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4210 mm | 4290 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1660 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1210 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2300 mm | 2480 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 90 L | 59 L |
