1955 Sunbeam Alpine vs. 1975 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 1975 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 20 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 @ 4200 RPM) has 6 more horse power than 1975 Volkswagen Golf. (74 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1955 Sunbeam Alpine should accelerate faster than 1975 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1955 Sunbeam Alpine weights approximately 480 kg more than 1975 Volkswagen Golf. 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, 1975 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, 1955 Sunbeam Alpine (163 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 44 more torque (in Nm) than 1975 Volkswagen Golf. (119 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 1955 Sunbeam Alpine will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1975 Volkswagen Golf.
Compare all specifications:
| 1955 Sunbeam Alpine | 1975 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Sunbeam | Volkswagen |
| Model | Alpine | Golf |
| Year Released | 1955 | 1975 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2267 cc | 1588 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 80 HP | 74 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4200 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 163 Nm | 119 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 7.4:1 | 8.2:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1300 kg | 820 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4280 mm | 3830 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1590 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1480 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2480 mm | 2410 mm |
