1955 Sunbeam Alpine vs. 1995 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 1995 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 40 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 21 more horse power than 1995 Volkswagen Golf. (59 HP @ 4700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1955 Sunbeam Alpine should accelerate faster than 1995 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1955 Sunbeam Alpine weights approximately 140 kg more than 1995 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, 1995 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 47 more torque (in Nm) than 1995 Volkswagen Golf. (116 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 1955 Sunbeam Alpine will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1995 Volkswagen Golf.
Compare all specifications:
| 1955 Sunbeam Alpine | 1995 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Sunbeam | Volkswagen |
| Model | Alpine | Golf |
| Year Released | 1955 | 1995 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2267 cc | 1390 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 80 HP | 59 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4200 RPM | 4700 RPM |
| Torque | 163 Nm | 116 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1300 kg | 1160 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4280 mm | 4350 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1590 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1480 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2480 mm | 2480 mm |
