1955 Sunbeam Alpine vs. 1978 Honda Accord
To start off, 1978 Honda Accord is newer by 23 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 1 more horse power than 1978 Honda Accord. (79 HP @ 5300 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1955 Sunbeam Alpine should accelerate faster than 1978 Honda Accord. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1955 Sunbeam Alpine weights approximately 410 kg more than 1978 Honda Accord. 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, 1978 Honda Accord, 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 37 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Honda Accord. (126 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1955 Sunbeam Alpine will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Honda Accord. 1978 Honda Accord has automatic transmission and 1955 Sunbeam Alpine has manual transmission. 1955 Sunbeam Alpine will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1978 Honda Accord will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1955 Sunbeam Alpine | 1978 Honda Accord | |
| Make | Sunbeam | Honda |
| Model | Alpine | Accord |
| Year Released | 1955 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2267 cc | 1601 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 80 HP | 79 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4200 RPM | 5300 RPM |
| Torque | 163 Nm | 126 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1300 kg | 890 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4280 mm | 4350 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1590 mm | 1630 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1480 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2480 mm | 2390 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 50 L |
