AC Aceca III 3.5 i V8 32V Turbo (354 Hp)


Overall Rating

6.9 / 10
Safety N/A / 5
Not Rated
Engine 4.0 / 5
Value 3.0 / 5
Performance 4.5 / 5
Comfort 3.5 / 5
People\'s Opinion N/A / 5
Not Rated

AC Aceca:

The Aceca is a fixed head coupé built by AC Cars from 1954 until 1963. Three variations of the car were offered: the original Aceca, with an engine from AC; the Aceca-Bristol, with an engine from Bristol Cars; and the Aceca 2. 6, with a tuned Ford engine.
The Aceca is a hand-built grand tourer in the British tradition, with ash wood and steel tubing used in its construction. One notable feature is the hatchback at the rear, making the Aceca only the second car, after the 1953 Aston Martin DB2/4, to incorporate this element....(Read more on Wikipedia)

III Overview:

AC Aceca (III). With 407 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. With a weight of 1615 kg, it falls in the mid‑range. Rear‑wheel drive offers dynamic handling and sporty feedback. Acceleration is excellent (0–100 km/h in 5.6 s). The top speed reaches 250 km/h. A two-door car with a fixed roof, known for its sporty design and dynamic performance. Seating for 4 makes it ideal for daily use.

Safety Rating
Not rated
Euro NCAP Year N/A
Adult Occupant N/A
Stars N/A
Expert Note:
The AC Aceca III was a low-volume, niche vehicle from the late 1990s and was not subjected to Euro NCAP crash testing. Its safety features would be rudimentary by modern standards, likely limited to ABS and basic airbags.

3.5 i V8 32V Turbo (354 Hp) Verdict:

Rating 5 stars

Performance Verdict

The turbocharged 3.5L V8 elevates the Aceca III's performance significantly, delivering exhilarating acceleration and a more aggressive power band, ideal for those seeking maximum thrills.

Fuel Economy

While offering superior performance, the turbocharged V8 is likely to consume even more fuel than its naturally aspirated counterpart, especially when driven enthusiastically.

Best Use Case: Performance Driving / Track Days (occasional)

Pros and Cons:

Pros:

  • • Exhilarating V8 performance and sound
  • • Exclusive and rare British sports car
  • • Distinctive classic-inspired styling
  • • Luxurious interior appointments
  • • Strong acceleration figures

Cons:

  • • Very poor fuel economy
  • • High running and maintenance costs
  • • Limited practicality with small trunk
  • • Lack of modern safety features
  • • Niche market, parts availability can be challenging

Specifications:

General:
Brand:AC
Model:Aceca
Generation:III
Modification (Engine):3.5 i V8 32V Turbo (354 Hp)
Start of production:1998
End of production:2000
Powertrain Architecture:Internal Combustion engine
Body type:Coupe
Seats:4
Doors:3
Engine:
Power:354 Hp @ 6500 rpm.
Power per litre:101 Hp/l
Torque:407 Nm @ 4000 rpm.
Engine displacement:3506
Number of cylinders:8
Engine configuration:V-engine
Number of valves per cylinder:4
Fuel injection system:Multi-port manifold injection
Engine aspiration:Turbocharger
Valvetrain:OHC
Engine layout:Front, Longitudinal
Cylinder Bore:83 mm mm
Piston Stroke:81 mm mm
Compression ratio:8:1
Performance:
Fuel Type:Petrol (Gasoline)
Fuel consumption (economy) - urban:20 l/100 km
Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban:9 l/100 km
Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h:5.6 sec
Acceleration 0 - 62 mph:5.6 sec
Maximum speed:250 km/h
Weight-to-power ratio:4.6 kg/Hp, 219.2 Hp/tonne
Weight-to-torque ratio:4 kg/Nm, 252 Nm/tonne
Acceleration 0 - 60 mph:5.3 sec
Space:
Kerb Weight:1615
Trunk (boot) space - minimum:500 l
Fuel tank capacity:90 l
Size:
Length:4660 mm mm
Width:1890 mm mm
Height:1340 mm mm
Wheelbase:2720 mm mm
Front track:1590 mm
Rear (Back) track:1570 mm
Powertrain:
Drivetrain ArchitectureThe Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the rear wheels of the vehicle.
Drive wheelRear wheel drive
Number of gears6
Transmission typeManual
Front brakesVentilated discs
Rear brakesVentilated discs
Assisting systemsABS (Anti-lock braking system)
Steering typeSteering rack and pinion
Power steeringHydraulic Steering
Tires size255/45 R18
Front suspensionCoil spring
Rear suspensionCoil spring

Help others decide – share your experience!