1955 Sunbeam Alpine vs. 1966 Wartburg 353
To start off, 1966 Wartburg 353 is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1955 Sunbeam Alpine. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1955 Sunbeam Alpine would be higher. At 2,267 cc (4 cylinders), 1955 Sunbeam Alpine is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1955 Sunbeam Alpine (80 HP) has 31 more horse power than 1966 Wartburg 353. (49 HP). In normal driving conditions, 1955 Sunbeam Alpine should accelerate faster than 1966 Wartburg 353. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1955 Sunbeam Alpine weights approximately 400 kg more than 1966 Wartburg 353. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1955 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 1955 Sunbeam Alpine. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1966 Wartburg 353, 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, 1955 Sunbeam Alpine (163 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 67 more torque (in Nm) than 1966 Wartburg 353. (96 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1955 Sunbeam Alpine will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1966 Wartburg 353.
Compare all specifications:
| 1955 Sunbeam Alpine | 1966 Wartburg 353 | |
| Make | Sunbeam | Wartburg |
| Model | Alpine | 353 |
| Year Released | 1955 | 1966 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2267 cc | 991 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 3 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 80 HP | 49 HP |
| Torque | 163 Nm | 96 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 7.4:1 | 7.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1300 kg | 900 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4280 mm | 4230 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1590 mm | 1650 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1480 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2480 mm | 2460 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 44 L |
