1955 Sunbeam Alpine vs. 2004 Volvo S40
To start off, 2004 Volvo S40 is newer by 49 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 2,401 cc (5 cylinders), 2004 Volvo S40 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Volvo S40 (217 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 137 more horse power than 1955 Sunbeam Alpine. (80 HP @ 4200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Volvo S40 should accelerate faster than 1955 Sunbeam Alpine. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Volvo S40 weights approximately 125 kg more than 1955 Sunbeam Alpine. 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, 2004 Volvo S40, 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, 2004 Volvo S40 (320 Nm @ 1500 RPM) has 157 more torque (in Nm) than 1955 Sunbeam Alpine. (163 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2004 Volvo S40 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1955 Sunbeam Alpine.
Compare all specifications:
| 1955 Sunbeam Alpine | 2004 Volvo S40 | |
| Make | Sunbeam | Volvo |
| Model | Alpine | S40 |
| Year Released | 1955 | 2004 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2267 cc | 2401 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 80 HP | 217 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4200 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 163 Nm | 320 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 1500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 7.4:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Top Speed | 148 km/hour | 240 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1300 kg | 1425 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4280 mm | 4470 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1590 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1480 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2480 mm | 2720 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 68 L |
