1955 Sunbeam Alpine vs. 1983 Ford Meteor
To start off, 1983 Ford Meteor is newer by 28 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 8 more horse power than 1983 Ford Meteor. (72 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1955 Sunbeam Alpine should accelerate faster than 1983 Ford Meteor. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1955 Sunbeam Alpine weights approximately 415 kg more than 1983 Ford Meteor. 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, 1983 Ford Meteor, 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 53 more torque (in Nm) than 1983 Ford Meteor. (110 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1955 Sunbeam Alpine will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1983 Ford Meteor. 1983 Ford Meteor 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. 1983 Ford Meteor will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1955 Sunbeam Alpine | 1983 Ford Meteor | |
| Make | Sunbeam | Ford |
| Model | Alpine | Meteor |
| Year Released | 1955 | 1983 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2267 cc | 1490 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 80 HP | 72 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4200 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 163 Nm | 110 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 3000 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 | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1300 kg | 885 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4280 mm | 4160 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1590 mm | 1640 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1480 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2480 mm | 2370 mm |
