1955 Sunbeam Alpine vs. 1997 Volkswagen W12
To start off, 1997 Volkswagen W12 is newer by 42 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 5,584 cc (12 cylinders), 1997 Volkswagen W12 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Volkswagen W12 (420 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 340 more horse power than 1955 Sunbeam Alpine. (80 HP @ 4200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Volkswagen W12 should accelerate faster than 1955 Sunbeam Alpine. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1955 Sunbeam Alpine weights approximately 148 kg more than 1997 Volkswagen W12.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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, 1997 Volkswagen W12 (530 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 367 more torque (in Nm) than 1955 Sunbeam Alpine. (163 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1997 Volkswagen W12 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1955 Sunbeam Alpine.
Compare all specifications:
| 1955 Sunbeam Alpine | 1997 Volkswagen W12 | |
| Make | Sunbeam | Volkswagen |
| Model | Alpine | W12 |
| Year Released | 1955 | 1997 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 2267 cc | 5584 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | W |
| Horse Power | 80 HP | 420 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4200 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 163 Nm | 530 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1300 kg | 1152 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4280 mm | 4410 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1590 mm | 1930 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1480 mm | 1010 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2480 mm | 2540 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 55 L |
