1985 AC Cobra vs. 1981 Lancia Beta
To start off, 1985 AC Cobra is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Lancia Beta. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 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 (320 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 239 more horse power than 1981 Lancia Beta. (81 HP @ 6200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1985 AC Cobra should accelerate faster than 1981 Lancia Beta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1985 AC Cobra weights approximately 175 kg more than 1981 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, 1981 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 (522 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 414 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Lancia Beta. (108 Nm @ 3300 RPM). This means 1985 AC Cobra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Lancia Beta.
Compare all specifications:
| 1985 AC Cobra | 1981 Lancia Beta | |
| Make | AC | Lancia |
| Model | Cobra | Beta |
| Year Released | 1985 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4942 cc | 1297 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 320 HP | 81 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 522 Nm | 108 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 3300 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1175 kg | 1000 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4210 mm | 4000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1660 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1210 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2300 mm | 2360 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 49 L |
