1996 AC Cobra vs. 1984 Lancia Beta
To start off, 1996 AC Cobra is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1984 Lancia Beta. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1984 Lancia Beta would be higher. At 4,942 cc (8 cylinders), 1996 AC Cobra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 AC Cobra (365 HP @ 5750 RPM) has 264 more horse power than 1984 Lancia Beta. (101 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 AC Cobra should accelerate faster than 1984 Lancia Beta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1984 Lancia Beta weights approximately 10 kg more than 1996 AC Cobra.
Because 1996 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 1996 AC Cobra. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1984 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, 1996 AC Cobra (579 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 445 more torque (in Nm) than 1984 Lancia Beta. (134 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1996 AC Cobra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1984 Lancia Beta.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 AC Cobra | 1984 Lancia Beta | |
| Make | AC | Lancia |
| Model | Cobra | Beta |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1984 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4942 cc | 1585 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 365 HP | 101 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 579 Nm | 134 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1026 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 | 2550 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 90 L | 59 L |
