1951 Citroen 2CV vs. 1972 Sunbeam Alpine
To start off, 1972 Sunbeam Alpine is newer by 21 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1951 Citroen 2CV. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1951 Citroen 2CV would be higher. At 1,725 cc (4 cylinders), 1972 Sunbeam Alpine is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1972 Sunbeam Alpine (71 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 61 more horse power than 1951 Citroen 2CV. (10 HP @ 3500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1972 Sunbeam Alpine should accelerate faster than 1951 Citroen 2CV. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 Sunbeam Alpine weights approximately 495 kg more than 1951 Citroen 2CV. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1972 Sunbeam Alpine 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 1972 Sunbeam Alpine. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1951 Citroen 2CV, 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, 1972 Sunbeam Alpine (123 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 101 more torque (in Nm) than 1951 Citroen 2CV. (22 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1972 Sunbeam Alpine will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1951 Citroen 2CV.
Compare all specifications:
| 1951 Citroen 2CV | 1972 Sunbeam Alpine | |
| Make | Citroen | Sunbeam |
| Model | 2CV | Alpine |
| Year Released | 1951 | 1972 |
| Engine Size | 375 cc | 1725 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | boxer | in-line |
| Horse Power | 10 HP | 71 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 22 Nm | 123 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 515 kg | 1010 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3610 mm | 4430 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1490 mm | 1650 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1710 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2510 mm |
