2002 AC Cobra vs. 1976 Lancia Beta
To start off, 2002 AC Cobra is newer by 26 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1976 Lancia Beta. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1976 Lancia Beta would be higher. At 3,506 cc (8 cylinders), 2002 AC Cobra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 AC Cobra (350 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 235 more horse power than 1976 Lancia Beta. (115 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2002 AC Cobra should accelerate faster than 1976 Lancia Beta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1976 Lancia Beta weights approximately 105 kg more than 2002 AC Cobra.
Because 2002 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 2002 AC Cobra. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1976 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, 2002 AC Cobra (400 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 223 more torque (in Nm) than 1976 Lancia Beta. (177 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 2002 AC Cobra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1976 Lancia Beta.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 AC Cobra | 1976 Lancia Beta | |
| Make | AC | Lancia |
| Model | Cobra | Beta |
| Year Released | 2002 | 1976 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3506 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 350 HP | 115 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 400 Nm | 177 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 83 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 81 mm | 90 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1060 kg | 1165 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4210 mm | 4330 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1210 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2300 mm | 2480 mm |
