1949 Allard J1 vs. 1974 Sunbeam Alpine
To start off, 1974 Sunbeam Alpine is newer by 25 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1949 Allard J1. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1949 Allard J1 would be higher. At 3,917 cc (8 cylinders), 1949 Allard J1 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1949 Allard J1 (100 HP @ 3800 RPM) has 29 more horse power than 1974 Sunbeam Alpine. (71 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1949 Allard J1 should accelerate faster than 1974 Sunbeam Alpine. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1949 Allard J1 weights approximately 130 kg more than 1974 Sunbeam Alpine. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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, 1949 Allard J1 (306 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 183 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Sunbeam Alpine. (123 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1949 Allard J1 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Sunbeam Alpine. 1974 Sunbeam Alpine has automatic transmission and 1949 Allard J1 has manual transmission. 1949 Allard J1 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1974 Sunbeam Alpine will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1949 Allard J1 | 1974 Sunbeam Alpine | |
| Make | Allard | Sunbeam |
| Model | J1 | Alpine |
| Year Released | 1949 | 1974 |
| Engine Size | 3917 cc | 1724 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 100 HP | 71 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 306 Nm | 123 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1140 kg | 1010 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3690 mm | 4430 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1480 mm | 1650 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1510 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2510 mm |
