1954 Sunbeam Alpine vs. 2008 Volkswagen Golf

To start off, 2008 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 54 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1954 Sunbeam Alpine. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1954 Sunbeam Alpine would be higher. At 2,267 cc (4 cylinders), 1954 Sunbeam Alpine is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Volkswagen Golf (101 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 22 more horse power than 1954 Sunbeam Alpine. (79 HP @ 4200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 1954 Sunbeam Alpine. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1954 Sunbeam Alpine weights approximately 125 kg more than 2008 Volkswagen Golf.

Because 1954 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 1954 Sunbeam Alpine. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 Volkswagen Golf, 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, 1954 Sunbeam Alpine (163 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 15 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Volkswagen Golf. (148 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 1954 Sunbeam Alpine will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Volkswagen Golf.

Compare all specifications:

1954 Sunbeam Alpine 2008 Volkswagen Golf
Make Sunbeam Volkswagen
Model Alpine Golf
Year Released 1954 2008
Engine Position Front Front
Engine Size 2267 cc 1594 cc
Engine Cylinders 4 cylinders 4 cylinders
Engine Type in-line in-line
Valves per Cylinder 2 valves 2 valves
Horse Power 79 HP 101 HP
Engine RPM 4200 RPM 5600 RPM
Torque 163 Nm 148 Nm
Torque RPM 2400 RPM 3800 RPM
Engine Bore Size 81 mm 81 mm
Engine Stroke Size 110 mm 77.4 mm
Engine Compression Ratio 7.4:1 10.5:1
Fuel Type Gasoline Gasoline - Premium
Top Speed 153 km/hour 184 km/hour
Drive Type Rear Front
Transmission Type Manual Manual
Number of Seats 4 seats 5 seats
Number of Doors 2 doors 3 doors
Vehicle Weight 1300 kg 1175 kg
Vehicle Length 4280 mm 4210 mm
Vehicle Width 1590 mm 1770 mm
Vehicle Height 1480 mm 1490 mm
Wheelbase Size 2490 mm 2590 mm
Fuel Tank Capacity 45 L 55 L