1953 Sunbeam Alpine vs. 2012 Volkswagen Jetta
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen Jetta is newer by 59 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 2,500 cc (5 cylinders), 2012 Volkswagen Jetta is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Volkswagen Jetta (170 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 91 more horse power than 1953 Sunbeam Alpine. (79 HP @ 4200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Volkswagen Jetta should accelerate faster than 1953 Sunbeam Alpine. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Volkswagen Jetta weights approximately 130 kg more than 1953 Sunbeam Alpine. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1953 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 1953 Sunbeam Alpine. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 Volkswagen Jetta, 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, 2012 Volkswagen Jetta (240 Nm) has 77 more torque (in Nm) than 1953 Sunbeam Alpine. (163 Nm). This means 2012 Volkswagen Jetta will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1953 Sunbeam Alpine. 2012 Volkswagen Jetta has automatic transmission and 1953 Sunbeam Alpine has manual transmission. 1953 Sunbeam Alpine will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 Volkswagen Jetta will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1953 Sunbeam Alpine | 2012 Volkswagen Jetta | |
| Make | Sunbeam | Volkswagen |
| Model | Alpine | Jetta |
| Year Released | 1953 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2267 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 79 HP | 170 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4200 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 163 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1270 kg | 1400 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4280 mm | 4557 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1590 mm | 1781 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1480 mm | 1504 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2490 mm | 2578 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 55 L |
