1953 Sunbeam Alpine vs. 1961 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia
To start off, 1961 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1953 Sunbeam Alpine. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1953 Sunbeam Alpine would be higher. At 2,267 cc (4 cylinders), 1953 Sunbeam Alpine is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1953 Sunbeam Alpine (79 HP @ 4200 RPM) has 45 more horse power than 1961 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. (34 HP @ 3600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1953 Sunbeam Alpine should accelerate faster than 1961 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1953 Sunbeam Alpine weights approximately 450 kg more than 1961 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. 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, 1953 Sunbeam Alpine (163 Nm) has 79 more torque (in Nm) than 1961 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. (84 Nm). This means 1953 Sunbeam Alpine will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1961 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia.
Compare all specifications:
| 1953 Sunbeam Alpine | 1961 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia | |
| Make | Sunbeam | Volkswagen |
| Model | Alpine | Karmann-Ghia |
| Year Released | 1953 | 1961 |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 2267 cc | 1192 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 79 HP | 34 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4200 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Torque | 163 Nm | 84 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 77 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 110 mm | 64 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1270 kg | 820 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4280 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1590 mm | 1640 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1480 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2490 mm | 2430 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 40 L |
