1955 Sunbeam Alpine vs. 2003 Vauxhall Meriva
To start off, 2003 Vauxhall Meriva is newer by 48 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 2003 Vauxhall Meriva. (74 HP @ 4400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1955 Sunbeam Alpine should accelerate faster than 2003 Vauxhall Meriva. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Vauxhall Meriva weights approximately 20 kg more than 1955 Sunbeam Alpine.
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, 2003 Vauxhall Meriva, 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, 2003 Vauxhall Meriva (165 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 2 more torque (in Nm) than 1955 Sunbeam Alpine. (163 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2003 Vauxhall Meriva will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1955 Sunbeam Alpine.
Compare all specifications:
| 1955 Sunbeam Alpine | 2003 Vauxhall Meriva | |
| Make | Sunbeam | Vauxhall |
| Model | Alpine | Meriva |
| Year Released | 1955 | 2003 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2267 cc | 1686 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 80 HP | 74 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4200 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 163 Nm | 165 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1300 kg | 1320 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4280 mm | 4050 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1590 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1480 mm | 1630 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2480 mm | 2640 mm |
